By Despite the disapproval of the Oyomesi amidst other raging controversies, Governor Seyi Makinde has presented the staff and instrument of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
The ceremony took place on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Key figures present at the event included Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, former Oyo Speaker Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, and notable High Chiefs from Oyo Town. Prof. Wande Abimbola, the Awise Awo Agbaye, who conducted the Ifa divination process leading to the new Alaafin’s selection, was also in attendance according to sources.
Notably missing were the Oyomesi, the council of kingmakers, who have opposed the appointment.
They claim that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, a member of the Agunloye Ruling House in Oyo, Nigeria, the grandson of Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II, who reigned before Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III was their preferred candidate and contend that the selection process violated the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.
Governor Makinde dismissed these claims, insisting that both traditional and legal protocols were followed.
However, the governor’s presentation of the staff of office to Oba Owoade reaffirms the state government’s recognition of his appointment despite the Oyomesi’s objections and threats of legal action.
