Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, over two years after the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who reigned from 1970 to 2022.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation.
Oyelade said Owoade’s selection followed “thorough consultations and divinations” and was approved by Governor Makinde based on the recommendations of the Oyomesi, the kingmakers of the Oyo Kingdom.
According to Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the announcement resolves the socio-political and legal disputes that have lingered since Oba Adeyemi’s passing on April 22, 2022.
“Hon. Ademola Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the government in celebrating this momentous occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement read.
“The commissioner prays that his reign will bring peace, prosperity, and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.”
Dispute Over Selection Process
The announcement comes amid controversy surrounding the selection process for the new Alaafin. Just a day earlier, a faction of the Oyomesi wrote to Governor Makinde, urging him to refrain from interfering in the process due to a pending court case.
The faction, represented by legal counsel Kazeem Sobaloju, claimed that the kingmakers had already selected Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect. The five-member faction includes:
- Yusuf Akinade (Basorun)
- Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna)
- Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku)
- Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief for (Asipa)
