Gov Makinde names Abimbola Akeem Owoade as new Alaafin of Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, ending a two-year wait following the demise of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

Dotun Oyelade, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, made the announcement in a statement on Friday. According to Oyelade, the decision came after “thorough consultations and divinations” and was based on recommendations from the Oyomesi, the kingmakers of Oyo.

Ademola Ojo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, also confirmed the appointment, stating that the announcement resolves the socio-political and legal disputes that followed the death of Oba Adeyemi on April 22, 2022. Ojo called on citizens to celebrate the historic occasion and support the new monarch.

In his statement, Ojo expressed hope that Owoade’s reign would bring peace, unity, and prosperity to the Oyo Kingdom.

The announcement, however, comes amid controversies. Just a day earlier, a faction of the Oyomesi, represented by their legal counsel Kazeem Sobaloju, had written to Governor Makinde, urging him to refrain from intervening in the selection process. The faction argued that their selection of Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect was being undermined, despite a pending court case on the matter.

The dissenting Oyomesi members included Yusuf Akinade (Basorun), Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), Wahab Oyetunji (Asipa, represented by a warrant chief), and Gbadebo Mufutau (Alapinni, represented by a warrant chief).