Governor Seyi Makinde Announces Abimbola Owoade As New Alaafin Of Oyo

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has announced that appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, filling the throne left vacant after the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April 2022.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

According to Oyelade, the decision came after extensive consultations and divinations, with the recommendation of the Oyomesi, the traditional council of kingmakers.

Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, also confirmed the appointment in a separate statement, describing it as the resolution to the controversies that had surrounded the selection process since the former Alaafin’s death.

Ojo urged the people of Oyo State to celebrate this historic occasion and support the new monarch, praying for a reign filled with peace, prosperity, and unity for the Oyo Kingdom.

However, the announcement comes amid disputes within the Oyomesi.

A five-member faction of the kingmakers had written to Governor Makinde, urging him not to interfere in the selection process, citing a pending court case.

The group, through their legal representative Kazeem Sobaloju, claimed they had already selected Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect and argued that the governor’s involvement was in violation of legal proceedings.

The dissenting kingmakers included Basorun Yusuf Akinade, Lagunna Wakeel Akindele, Akinniku Hamzat Yusuf, and two warrant chiefs, Wahab Oyetunji (representing the Asipa) and Gbadebo Mufutau (representing the Alapinni).

Despite these disputes, Makinde’s announcement officially recognizes Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

KanyiDaily had reported that the former Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi died in April 22, 2022, at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.