Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, made the announcement in a statement released on Friday.
He explained that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations.
“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.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, noted that the appointment resolves the legal and social disputes that followed the former Alaafin Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III’s death 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.
The government expressed hope that the reign of Prince Abimbola Owoade would bring peace, unity and prosperity to Oyo Kingdom.
“We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he added.
Residents of Oyo State have been called upon to rally behind the new monarch as he begins his reign over the ancient kingdom.
After the death of the previous Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the selection process for his successor sparked controversy.
Makinde recently directed a fresh selection process, but five prominent kingmakers rejected this move on Thursday.
The kingmakers 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; a warrant chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and a warrant chief standing in for Alapinni of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau.
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They asserted that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is already the Alaafin-elect, citing ongoing legal proceedings regarding the selection process.
The kingmakers’ legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju, described the governor’s actions as illegal and urged that the process be suspended until the court resolves the matter.
“We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he added.
Residents of Oyo State have been called upon to rally behind the new monarch as he begins his reign over the ancient kingdom.
After the death of the previous Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the selection process for his successor sparked controversy.
Makinde recently directed a fresh selection process, but five prominent kingmakers rejected this move on Thursday.
The kingmakers 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; a warrant chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and a warrant chief standing in for Alapinni of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau.
They asserted that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is already the Alaafin-elect, citing ongoing legal proceedings regarding the selection process.
The kingmakers’ legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju, described the governor’s actions as illegal and urged that the process be suspended until the court resolves the matter.
