Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially presented the instruments of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. This significant event took place on Monday, January 13, at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan. The ceremony marks an important milestone in the transition process, with the new Alaafin set to be coronated in four weeks, according to Governor Makinde.

Gov Makinde presenting the Staff of office and certificate to the new Alaafin of Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde emphasized the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, extending beyond Oyo town to represent the cultural identity and unity of the Yoruba people as a whole. He highlighted his administration’s commitment to transparency and openness, which guided his decision to refHrain from interfering in the selection process of the new Alaafin, allowing the traditional council of kingmakers, the Oyomesi, to take the lead.  He said: “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.”

Governor Makinde revealed that his first encounter with Prince Owoade was on Sunday, January 12, emphasizing that he had never spoken to him before that day. He intentionally avoided knowing Prince Owoade’s profile or those of other princes vying for the throne, to prevent his opinion from influencing the selection process.
“Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

“I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.

“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

“Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”

While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.
“The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added. In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people. He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, praised Governor Makinde for his commitment to upholding transparency in the selection process of the new Alaafin, ensuring that established protocols were strictly adhered to. He also extended his gratitude to all individuals involved in the selection process, acknowledging their efforts in choosing the rightful candidate for the revered throne.

Dignitaries from various sectors attended the event, including Oyo State’s Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Also in attendance were Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, representing Oyo East/Oyo West in the House of Assembly, and esteemed individuals like Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola, and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola. Representatives from the Oyomesi, a council of kingmakers, and traditional rulers from the Oyo Kingdom also graced the occasion.

Top government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.