10/14/2026
Our Press Release for Niagara Afro Festival: Reconnect Royal Experience!
From Manitoba To The Throne Of Oyo: His Imperial Majesty The Alaafin Returns To Canada For The Niagara Afro Festival
Not long ago, he was a project coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, raising his family in Canada. Today, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, is the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, ruler of one of the most historic and culturally significant thrones in the Yoruba nation. This November, the African-Canadian monarch returns to the country he once called home as Royal Patron of the Niagara Afro Festival: The Reconnect Royal Experience, running November 20 to 22 in Niagara Falls.
Presented by African Women Acting (AWA), the festival brings together Canadian and international talent, entrepreneurs, artists, cultural leaders and communities from across the African diaspora for three days of music, dance, drumming, poetry, theatre, food and celebration. His Imperial Majesty will attend with his Ayaba and a royal entourage from Oyo, Nigeria, marking a rare and remarkable royal visit that links the global African diaspora with Canada.
"Reconnection is vital for everyone, no matter who we are or where we come from," says Festival Artistic Director Sonia Aimy. "Reconnect for revival."
The Alaafin's journey is a story of two worlds. Born into the royal Owoade Agunloye ruling house in Oyo town, he is a direct descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of the Agure Compound. He studied mechanical engineering in Nigeria at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and in the U.K. at the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University, then worked as a planning engineer in Scotland before settling in Manitoba. There he served as a project coordinator for Manitoba Hydro and managed real estate ventures.
After the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in 2022, the Oyomesi, the council of traditional kingmakers, selected him as the new Alaafin, and the Oyo State Government approved his selection in January 2025. He relocated with his family to Nigeria to take the throne. His reign bridges royal Yoruba heritage with modern global development, with a focus on education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and engagement with the diaspora, including serving as Royal Patron to cross cultural platforms in North America.
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The festival opens on November 20 with a free Regal Opening at The Niagara Falls Exchange, featuring a cultural marketplace, performances from local dancers, musicians and poets, networking opportunities and private engagements with the Alaafin.
On November 21, guests can tour AWA's newly acquired Baobab Arts & Culture Centre (BAC Centre), enjoy live entertainment and discover the centre's vision for bringing Canadian and international cultural opportunities to Niagara Falls.
The festival culminates on November 22 at The Exchange with an afternoon of festival performances leading into the Royal Gala and Awards Ceremony. A highlight is the premiere of 'One Circle Many Relations,' a 60-minute musical theatre production featuring African and Indigenous artists, co-produced by AWA and Kakekalanicks, an Indigenous arts group and the festival's local partner. The evening continues with African cuisine, live performances from local and international artists, and the Reconnect Gala Ceremony and Industry Excellence & Royal Awards. Proceeds from the gala support the BAC Centre project, including renovations and scholarships for emerging artists.
Dress code for the gala event is “Aso Oke”, or “Green Tie”. The “Green Tie” dress code invites guests to embrace elegant formalwear in shades of green, complemented by classic black-tie attire and green accents.
The festival is supported by Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati and MP Tony Baldinelli, and funded in part by TD Ready Commitment, Canadian Heritage and the Toronto Arts Council.
AWA is also looking for market vendors, sponsors, and volunteers, who can learn more by emailing [email protected].
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A Canadian engineer from Manitoba now sits on one of Africa's most storied thrones, and this November, he comes home to celebrate the culture, creativity, and community that connect both worlds.
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Niagara Afro Festival: The Reconnect Royal Experience
🗓️November 20 Niagara Falls, ON
📍The Exchange - Cultural Hub & Market 5943 Sylvia Pl, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S9 (Regal Opening, free, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m)
🗓️ November 21 Niagara Falls, ON
📍 Baobab Arts & Culture Centre, 5144 Victoria Avenue
(Tour with live entertainment, RSVP only, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m)
🗓️ November 22 Niagara Falls, ON
📍 The Exchange - Cultural Hub & Market 5943 Sylvia Pl, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S9 (Festival, Royal Gala and Awards Ceremony, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m)
Tickets now available! See link in comments.👇🏾
Local Media Contact:
Sheri Hawkins
905-401-5329
[email protected]
International Media contact:
Eric Alper
647-971-3742
[email protected]
