Makinde Approves Owoade as New Alaafin of Oyo

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has formally approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The announcement was made on Friday through a statement from the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

Oyelade explained that Owoade’s selection followed thorough consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi.

“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade has been recommended by the Oyomesi, after extensive consultations and divinations, and his appointment has been approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement noted.

Ademola Ojo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, remarked that the appointment brings an end to the legal and social disputes that arose after the passing of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022.

“This decision resolves the socio-legal controversies that followed the late Oba Adeyemi’s passing. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic development,” Ojo said.

Oyelade expressed hope that the new Alaafin’s reign would bring peace, unity, and prosperity to the Oyo Kingdom.

“We pray that his reign fosters progress and harmony for the people of Oyo and strengthens the rich legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he added.

Residents of Oyo State have been urged to unite in support of the new monarch as he begins his leadership of the ancient kingdom.

Following the death of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the selection process for his successor became controversial.

Governor Makinde recently initiated a fresh selection process, but on Thursday, five prominent kingmakers opposed it. These include the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, a warrant chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, a warrant chief standing in for Alapinni of Oyo.

The kingmakers asserted that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin has already been named Alaafin-elect, citing ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the selection.

Legal counsel for the kingmakers, Adekunle Sobaloju, condemned the governor’s actions as illegal and called for the process to be suspended until the court resolves the matter.