Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially presented the Staff of Office to Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, marking his formal ascension as the new Alaafin of Oyo. The ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday.
A top government source had earlier confirmed to The PUNCH that Prince Owoade would receive his appointment letter and staff of office on Monday, stating, “He (Prince Owoade) is in town. He will get a letter of appointment from the state government tomorrow (Monday) so that he can resume work as Alaafin.”
Governor Makinde’s approval of Owoade’s appointment was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on Friday. However, the kingmakers in Oyo town have rejected Owoade’s selection, claiming it was not in line with the traditional process .
The kingmakers, in a letter to Governor Makinde, stated that the only candidate they recommended for the position was Prince Lukman Gbadegesin. They emphasized that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination, but in strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967 .