Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has formally bestowed the staff of office upon the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
The ceremony, held on Monday morning at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, officially inaugurated the reign of the new monarch.
This milestone event comes nearly three years after the passing of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
Governor Makinde’s announcement of the appointment last week sparked some controversy over the selection process.
However, on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, clarified that Owoade was selected following comprehensive consultations and traditional divinations.
The recommendation by the Oyomesi, Oyo’s council of kingmakers, was endorsed by the governor, resolving disputes that had lingered since Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III’s death on April 22, 2022.
Oyelade called on all Oyo State residents to celebrate this historic occasion and support the new Alaafin as he embarks on his reign.
