Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially appointed Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, following a series of consultations and traditional rites conducted by the Oyo Kingmakers, known as the Oyomesi.
The announcement was made public on Friday through a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. According to the statement, Owoade’s selection was the result of comprehensive discussions and traditional divination processes.
“After extensive consultations and divinations, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade has been recommended by the Oyomesi and has received the approval of Governor Seyi Makinde to ascend the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo,” Oyelade said in the statement.
In a separate comment, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, emphasized that this decision brings an end to the legal and social challenges that arose following the death of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022.
“This announcement concludes the legal and social disputes surrounding the succession process since the passing of the late Oba Adeyemi. We call on the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join us in celebrating this significant moment in the history of our kingdom,” Ojo said.
Oyelade expressed hope that the reign of Prince Owoade would foster peace, unity, and prosperity in Oyo, adding that it would also strengthen the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution. “We pray that his reign brings progress and cohesion to the people of Oyo,” he added.
The people of Oyo State have been urged to unite behind the new monarch as he begins his leadership of the ancient kingdom.
The appointment follows a turbulent selection process that gained public attention after the death of Oba Adeyemi. Last week, Governor Makinde ordered a fresh selection of the new Alaafin, which led to controversy. Five prominent Oyo kingmakers, including the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, and the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele, rejected the move, insisting that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin was already the Alaafin-elect.
The kingmakers, through their legal representative Adekunle Sobaloju, have criticized the governor’s actions, describing them as unlawful. Sobaloju called for the suspension of the process until the ongoing court cases regarding the selection of the new monarch are resolved.
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