Governor Makinde approves the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo

GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo to succeed Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III who died on April 22 2022.

In a development that brings to an end all the legal wrangling and disputes over succession, Prince Owoade was announced as the new monarch after being selected by traditional kingmakers. Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State commissioner for information, said that the governor endorsed the recommendation of the Oyomesi, the traditional council of kingmakers in Oyo.

Mr Oyelade added: “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.  This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi and we urge the people of Oyo State to support the new alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment.”

Governor Makinde expressed optimism about the new monarch’s reign and prayed it would usher in peace, prosperity, and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom. However, despite the announcement, disputes surrounding the appointment process have continued as yesterday for instance, five kingmakers in Oyo warned against initiating a new selection process and stated that they had already chosen Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin for the throne.

In a letter signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju, the kingmakers criticised the governor for appointing warrant chiefs to restart the selection process. These kingmakers -  High Chief Yusuf Akinade (Bashorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (stand-in Asipa of Oyo) and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (stand-in Alapinni of Oyo) - argued that the move undermined their earlier decision.

Their letter also noted that a court case on the matter remained unresolved, while accusing the governor of disregarding his constitutional duty by proceeding with the appointment. Also, they stated that the governor’s move is similar to his past action when he disregarded a pending case before the court and proceeded to dissolve a democratically elected local government chairmen which the Supreme Court eventually condemned.