Governor Makinde officially presents Oba Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, affirming royal succession at grand ceremony

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially presented Oba Akeem Owoade to the world as the new Alaafin of Oyo at a grand ceremony held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.

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Addressing a large crowd on Saturday, Governor Makinde revealed that he had ratified the recommendation of the Oyo Mesi on 10 January 2025 and subsequently issued the certificate of office on 13 January 2025.

“On the 10th of January, 2025, I applied my signature for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be a new Alaafin of Oyo. And on the 13th of January, 2025, I presented a certificate of office to our Kabiyesi,” the governor declared.

“Today, I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo. Those who said they have not been told or heard or who are running up and down should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo.”

In his acceptance speech, Oba Akeem Owoade expressed deep gratitude to all who supported him, pledging his commitment to the people.

“I promise to always be for you just as you have always been for me,” he said.

The event attracted a host of dignitaries from across Nigeria, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the Alaafin’s stool.

Among the prominent guests were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; the Orile-Igbon of Ilegbon, Oba Francis Alao; and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola.

Also present were the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams; Senator Yinus Akintunde representing Oyo Central; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi;

Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal.

Also read: New Alaafin of Oyo begins 21-days traditional rites

The presentation of Oba Owoade as Alaafin ends years of anticipation since the passing of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022. It also signals a new era for the revered traditional institution in Yorubaland.