Governor Seyi Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, ending legal disputes following Oba Adeyemi’s death.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially appointed Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, following an extensive selection process led by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi.

The announcement, made in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, marks a significant moment in the ancient kingdom’s leadership transition.

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According to the statement, Prince Owoade’s appointment comes after thorough consultations and traditional divinations, which were conducted by the Oyomesi.

The statement confirmed that the kingmakers recommended Owoade as the successor to the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, whose passing on April 22, 2022, left a vacancy for the revered position of the Alaafin.

“Owoade, after 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, added that the appointment would put to rest the socio-legal disputes that had followed the late Oba Adeyemi’s passing.

“This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi,” Ojo said. He urged the people of Oyo State to rally behind the new Alaafin as he embarks on his reign.

Governor Makinde’s approval of Owoade’s appointment has sparked optimism about a new era for the Oyo Kingdom.

Oyelade expressed hopes that the new monarch’s reign would foster peace, unity, and prosperity, while preserving the rich legacy of the Alaafin institution.

“We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he said.

However, the selection of Prince Owoade as Alaafin has not been without controversy.

The kingmakers, including the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, and other prominent figures, had previously expressed their dissatisfaction with the governor’s decision, asserting that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin had already been selected as the Alaafin-elect.

They cited ongoing legal proceedings related to the selection process and urged the suspension of the appointment until the courts resolve the matter.

Legal counsel for the kingmakers, Adekunle Sobaloju, described the governor’s actions as illegal and called for the suspension of the process. The legal tussle continues to unfold as Oyo State navigates this complex transition.

Despite the legal challenges, Governor Makinde and his administration are optimistic that Prince Owoade’s ascension will bring much-needed stability and growth to the kingdom, urging residents to support their new monarch.