Governor Seyi Makinde has officially presented the Staff of Office to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The presentation ceremony took place on Monday, January 13, 2024, at the governor’s office in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital.
This symbolic event comes nearly three years after the passing of the previous Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022.
Controversy Surrounding the Appointment
The appointment of Oba Owoade, announced by Governor Makinde last week, has been met with some controversy. The governor’s decision followed thorough consultations and Ifa divinations, as stated by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
Oyelade noted that the announcement and subsequent installation of the new Alaafin resolved the socio-legal disputes that had arisen since the former monarch’s demise.
Call for Unity
During the announcement, Oyelade called on the people of Oyo State to celebrate the occasion and support the new Alaafin. “This moment marks a significant step in preserving the rich traditions and unity of the Oyo Kingdom,” he stated.
The presentation of the Staff of Office solidifies Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade’s position as the new Alaafin of Oyo, heralding a new chapter in the kingdom’s history.
