*Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo, pledges to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria for the development of the people, as Governor (Engr.) Seyi Makinde of Oyo State speaks on Oyomesi鈥檚 selection, and his confirmation of new Alaafin

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Governor (Engr.) Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of Nigeria morning Monday, January 13, 2025, presented the Staff of Office Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo.

Makinde made presentation of the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch in the state in the Executive Chamber of the Governor鈥檚 Office, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

绿帽献妻 reports the historic and symbolic event was performed nearly three years after Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, former Alaafin of Oyo had joined his ancestors.

In his speech at the event, Governor Makinde said the Alaafin鈥檚 stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole.

He, therefore, maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration鈥檚 belief in openness and transparency.

Makinde speaks on the selection, and confirmation of new Alaafin

Makinde explained how he met Oba Owoade for the first time ever on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

The governor explained: 鈥淭he Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race.

鈥淪o, 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.鈥�

He also noted: 鈥淚 met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday (January 12, 2025). I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday.

鈥淚 did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.鈥�

Makinde further stated: 鈥淟et 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鈥檚 satisfaction.

鈥淲hen it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said, 鈥楾his is our friend.鈥�

鈥淭hey said one person is APC, and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC.鈥�

The Oyo State Governor asked: 鈥淲hy should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

鈥淚 always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other鈥檚 houses.

鈥淧olitics, electioneering is a game. It鈥檚 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.鈥�

Congratulating the new monarch, Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.

The governor noted: 鈥淭he 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.

鈥淚 pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

鈥淚 pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,鈥� Governor Makinde added.

Alaafin Owoade appreciates all, pledges to work for progress

Speaking at the event, in Ibadan, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people.

The monarch commended Governor Makinde, the Oyomesi, and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Hon Demola Ojo, Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, in Oyo State, applauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin.

He also thanked those involved in the selection process.

Gracing the event were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom.

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

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