Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday presented the Staff of Office and certificate of appointment to the new Alaafin-elect, Abímbola Owoade.
The ceremony took place at the Governor’s office, Secretariat Agodi in Ibadan, with the new Alaafin, along with high chiefs and religious leaders from Oyo town, attending the event.
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The presentation of the Staff of Office marks the official recognition of Mr. Owoade as the Alaafin-elect.
Among the distinguished guests was the Awise Awo Agbaye, Wande Abimbola, a renowned Ifa custodian and professor who performed the Ifa divination that selected the new king.
Governor Makinde’s presentation comes after the Oyo State Government officially approved Mr. Owoade as the next Alaafin of Oyo on Friday.
However, the selection process has sparked controversy. Some Oyo indigenes have criticized the governor for bypassing the Oyo Mesi, the traditional kingmakers, in the appointment of the new Alaafin.
Mr. Owoade’s ascension follows the passing of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who ruled for five decades and was a highly respected figure in Oyo town.
His death has left a leadership vacuum that the state government has now filled with the appointment of Owoade.
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The coronation ceremony for the 46th Alaafin of Oyo is expected to take place in the coming days in Oyo town, as the community prepares to welcome its new monarch.
Despite the controversies surrounding the selection process, the event marks a significant moment in the history of Oyo State.