Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, ending a two-year transition period in one of Nigeria’s oldest monarchies.
The announcement was made via a press release from His Highness Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation. Oyelade detailed that the selection of Prince Owoade followed meticulous consultations and traditional divination conducted by the Oyomesi, the kingmakers of Oyo, culminating in the endorsement of Governor Makinde.
Miss. Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, officially announced the decision, marking the resolution of various legal and social disputes that existed since the death of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022. The late reign of the Alaafin was notable for its cultural significance and leadership throughout the Yoruba kingdom.
Governor Makinde, in his statement, emphasized the importance of this new chapter for Oyo State. He called on the people and indigenes to celebrate the occasion and rally around Prince Owoade. “It is a time for unity and progress,” Makinde commented, emphasizing the role of the new Alaafin in continuing the legacy of peace, tradition and development in Oyo.
The installation of Prince Owoade is not only a return to normalcy but also an opportunity for cultural rejuvenation and economic growth in Oyo State. His ascension was expected to stabilize communal relations and foster a new sense of pride in Yoruba heritage.
The ceremony to officially crown Prince Owoade as Alaafin is expected to be a grand affair. It will attract dignitaries, traditional rulers and community members from across Nigeria and beyond, while celebrating the rich tapestry of Yoruba culture and governance.