Oyo State Embraces Abimbola Owoade As New Alaafin After Protracted Socio-Legal Disputes

Published January 13, 2025 at 10:44 AM

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has formally presented the staff of office to Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo.

the ceremony took place on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, officially confirming Owoade as the new monarch, nearly three years after the passing of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

The event follows Governor Makinde’s announcement last week, which sparked some controversy surrounding the selection process.

According to Dotun Oyelade, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Owoade’s appointment resulted from thorough consultations and divinations by the Oyomesi, the traditional council responsible for selecting the Alaafin. The governor subsequently approved the recommendation.

Oyelade emphasized that the announcement marks the conclusion of socio-legal disputes that arose following the death of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.

He urged all residents of Oyo State to come together in celebrating the occasion and to extend their support to the new Alaafin as he begins his reign.