Breaking: Makinde Ignores Threats, Presents Certificate Of Office To New Alaafin

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the certificate of office to the new Alaafin, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, despite threats from some quarters.

By the symbolic ceremony, the governor today kicked off the monarch’s formal ascension to the throne, of the 46th

Alaafin to one of the most revered thrones in the Yoruba nation.

The Eagle reports that some Oyo kingmakers in the ancient kingdom had, last week stated their opposition to the choice of Owoade, saying he was not the choice of the majority of the kingmakers.

In a letter signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobalolu, and addressed to the state governor, they described the appointment of Owoade as null and void; illegal and unlawful.

They included Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Layinka; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo, and the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, the warrant chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, the warrant chief standing in for Alapinní of Oyo, stating that the only candidate that they recommended on September 30, 2022, by majority lawful votes as the next Alaafin, was Prince Lukman Gbadegesin.

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“Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin, having obtained the majority of votes of the kingmakers present, was deemed appointed and his name was forwarded to Your Excellency as the candidate appointed by the kingmakers as Alaafin of Oyo for your approval, which you refused to approve for no disclosed reason at all”, they stated.

They added that they would have no option than to seek legal redress should the governor go ahead in enthroning him..

However, presenting the insignia of office to Oba Owoade today, Governor Makinde described him as a leader well-suited to uphold the cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom.

The presentation of the Certificate Of Office To New Alaafin, a brief but symbolic ceremony took place today at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, and was attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, and enthusiastic indigenes of Oyo.

The governor stated that the Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler but a custodian of rich history and tradition while expressing the belief that Oba Woade will lead with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to the unity of the Oyo kingdom.

In his remark, the new Alaafin, Oba Owoade, expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo and pledged to prioritise the development of the kingdom and the welfare of its residents.

Oba Owoade succeeded the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, whose reign lasted for five decades.