Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the staff of office to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, His Royal Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
The ceremony, which took place on Monday morning at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, marked the formal recognition of the new monarch’s reign.
The presentation of the staff of office is a significant act in traditional Yoruba culture, symbolizing the governor’s endorsement of the monarch and the legitimacy of the king’s rule.
The event comes nearly three years after the demise of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who passed away in April 2022.
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Governor Makinde, in his address during the ceremony, described the new Alaafin as a unifying figure whose leadership would further the peace and development of the Oyo Kingdom.
He urged the monarch to serve as a custodian of Yoruba traditions and a rallying point for progress in the state.
“Today is a historic day for Oyo Kingdom and the entire state. We entrust the mantle of leadership to His Royal Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, with confidence in his ability to sustain the rich legacy of the Alaafin institution.
As a state, we are committed to supporting the traditional institution in its pivotal role in our society,” the governor said.
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However, the appointment of Oba Owoade has not been without controversy. The governor’s announcement of the new Alaafin last week stirred debate among some stakeholders in the Oyo Kingdom, with a faction questioning the selection process.
Despite the dissent, Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of unity and called for the cooperation of all parties to support the new monarch.
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to the governor and the people of Oyo for the honor bestowed upon him.
He pledged to uphold the traditions of the Alaafin’s throne while promoting harmony and development in the kingdom.
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“I stand here today humbled by the trust and responsibility placed upon me. The Alaafin’s throne is not just a position but a sacred duty to serve the people of Oyo Kingdom. I will work tirelessly to honor the legacy of my predecessors and to ensure the prosperity of our land,” the new Alaafin said.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, government officials, and dignitaries from across the state. The symbolic ceremony sets the stage for a new chapter in the history of the Oyo Kingdom under the leadership of Oba Owoade.
More updates to follow as the story develops.