The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, will be officially crowned today, barely three years after the last occupant of the throne, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, joined his ancestors.

The historical coronation event is taking place 54 years after, which was the time the late Oba Adeyemi ascended the throne of his forebears.

The new Alaafin prefers to be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.

Oba Akeem Owoade is a Nigerian and Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist and president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services business in Manitoba, Canada.

Born 49 years ago to a prominent and royal family of Owoade-Agunloye in Oyo town, Prince Akeem Owoade is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, the descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, Agure Compound, Oyo town.

Before moving to Canada, the new Alaafin sojourned at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK as a planning engineer. He was the project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada (one of the largest electric power and natural gas utility providers in Canada.

In January, Governor Seyi Makinde appointed him as the 46th monarch of the ancient town and presented him with a certificate of appointment.

The appointment marked the end of a prolonged and controversial selection process to the highly revered Yoruba throne, but also opened a new chapter of litigations challenging Makinde’s choice.

Weekend Trust reports that since his emergence, Oba Owoade has been battling litigations challenging his selection and appointment by the government.