Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the staff of office and certificate of recognition to Abimbola Owoade, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan. The announcement of Owoade as Alaafin was made by the governor on January 10, 2025, following recommendations from the Oyomesi (kingmakers).
Dotun Oyelade, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, confirmed the governor’s approval of Owoade’s appointment, stating that it followed due process as advised by the kingmakers.
Shortly after the announcement, a faction of the Oyomesi rejected Owoade’s appointment, citing procedural irregularities.
The dissenting members of the Oyomesi, led by Yusuf Akinade (Basorun) and joined by other kingmakers and warrant chiefs, claimed that the selection process violated the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.
According to the faction, the Alaafin is traditionally chosen through a process guided by the declaration and not through consultation or divination as stated by Governor Makinde.
