Seyi Makinde names Abimbola Owoade as Alaafin of Oyo

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has announced Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. 

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by Dotun Oyelade, commissioner for information and orientation.

Owoade’s appointment comes over two years since the death of Lamidi Adeyemi who was Alaafin from 1970 to 2022.

Dotun said after “thorough consultations and divinations” Makinde approved Owoade as Alaafin following recommendations by the Oyomesi (kingmakers).

He added that a statement to this effect has been issued by Ademola Ojo, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs “who said that the announcement has put to rest, all the socio and legal bickerings that have ensued since the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022”.

“Hon. Ademola Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the Government in celebrating this momentus occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement reads.

“The Commissioner prays that his reign will bring peace, prosperity and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.”

The announcement comes about a day after a five-member faction of the Oyemesi wrote to Makinde, asking the governor to refrain from interfering in the selection process for a new Alaafin.

In a letter signed by Kazeem Sobaloju, their legal counsel, and addressed to Makinde, the kingmakers claimed the governor’s move violates a pending court case on the selection process.

They insisted that the kingmakers had already chosen Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect.

The kingmakers in the faction include Yusuf Akinade, (Basorun), Wakeel Akindele, (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing in for the (Asipa), Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing in for (Alapinni).