In a significant development for the Oyo Kingdom, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the announcement came in a statement released on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
The selection process for the new Alaafin involved extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, known as the Oyomesi.
After careful consideration, Prince Abimbola Owoade emerged as the chosen candidate to ascend the throne as the spiritual and traditional leader of the Oyo people.
“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.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, in his remarks, said the announcement ends the legal and social disputes that followed the passing of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died 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.
Oyelade expressed optimism that the reign of the new Alaafin would usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for the 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.
After the death of the previous Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the selection process for his successor sparked controversy.
Five kingmakers, including 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 on Thursday openly rejected the fresh selection process ordered by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The dissenting kingmakers argue that the move disregards the judiciary and is in contempt of an ongoing court case related to the selection process.
They assert that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin has already been chosen as the Alaafin-elect and that initiating a new selection process would be “sub judice and tantamount to lawlessness.”
Click here to watch video of the Week
FEDSA honored Hon. Hammed Seriki for supporting youth empowerment. Award presented on January 7, 2025,…
Dimeji Bankole's Mother Passes Away Former Speaker is in mourning mood due to the loss…
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians not to panic over the Human Metapneumo Virus (HMPV)…