Despite protestations by a section of the Oyo King makers to his emergence, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the Staff of Office and certificate of appointment to the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, signifying his formal ascension to the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo.
The brief but significant ceremony took place on Monday, 13 January, at the State Government House in Agodi, Ibadan. It was attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, and enthusiastic indigenes of Oyo, who gathered to witness the historic moment.
During the presentation, Governor Makinde described the Alaafin-elect as a visionary leader committed to preserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom. He emphasised the importance of the Alaafin’s role as not only a traditional ruler but also a custodian of the kingdom’s legacy, expressing confidence in Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade’s ability to lead with wisdom, integrity, and a dedication to unity.
Oba Owoade succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, whose reign spanned an impressive five decades. In his acceptance speech, the new Alaafin expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo for their trust and support, pledging to prioritise the kingdom’s development and the welfare of its residents.
Owoade’s emergence as the new Alaafin was made in a statement on Friday, January 10, by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. Oyelade stated that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi.
“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement read.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, in his remarks, said the announcement ends the legal and social disputes that followed the passing of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died on April 22, 2022.
“This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment,” Ojo said.
However, shortly after the state government announced that Makinde approved the appointment of Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, two years after the position became vacant, aggrieved kingmakers described the appointment as illegal and invalid.
In a letter to the governor, signed by their lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju last Friday, the five Kingmakers declared the appointment invalid, noting that they did not recommend Prince Abimbola Owoade to the state government.
They insisted that their chosen candidate for the Alaafin was Prince Luqman Adelodun Gbadegesin.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the seven Oyo kingmakers for questioning over allegations of collecting millions of naira in bribes from candidates for the Oyo stool. Sources said two of the kingmakers have honoured the invitation.
