Makinde Breaks Silence: ‘I Met The New Alaafin For the First Time Yesterday

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that he met the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, for the first time on Sunday, January 12, 2025.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Monday at the presentation of the staff of office and certificate of recognition to the monarch at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, Governor Makinde highlighted his deliberate efforts to ensure an unbiased and transparent selection process for the Alaafin’s appointment.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining unity and fostering progress for the Oyo Kingdom, stressing the importance of the Alaafin’s stool beyond Oyo State to the entire Yoruba race.

Makinde said, “The Alaafin stool is very important, not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State, but to the entire Yoruba race. Under my watch, I made it clear that the stool is not for sale or for political manipulation. It is a sacred institution.”

He added, “I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him until then, nor did I know his profile or that of any other contenders for the stool. This was deliberate to ensure my personal views didn’t influence the process.”

Governor Makinde’s announcement of Oba Owoade as the new Alaafin on January 10 has been met with some controversy. Members of the Oyomesi, the traditional council of kingmakers, have criticized the decision, claiming it violated the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which outlines traditional procedures for selection.

Makinde defended his approach, sharing a similar instance from 2019 when he resolved disputes within Ibadanland’s traditional institution and approved the selection of the Okere of Saki without political bias.

He concluded, “I do not base my decisions on political affiliations. Whether you are PDP or APC is irrelevant to me when it comes to matters of tradition and governance