Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the Staff of Office to Prince Abimbola Owoade, marking his formal ascension as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
The ceremony, held on Monday morning at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, legitimized Owoade’s reign following his appointment by the governor last Friday.
Prince Owoade’s appointment fills the leadership void created by the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who ruled for over five decades before his death on April 22, 2022.
However, the new monarch’s selection has stirred controversy, as Oyo’s kingmakers rejected his appointment, describing it as “illegal and void.” In a formal letter to Governor Makinde, the kingmakers asserted that Owoade’s nomination did not follow traditional protocols, and they had not endorsed him for the revered throne.
Despite the opposition, Owoade’s appointment is expected to bring a modern touch to the Alaafin’s legacy. His ambitious agenda includes empowering widows and widowers, modernizing the palace while safeguarding cultural heritage, establishing a museum for Yoruba artifacts, promoting economic growth, and launching vocational training programs aimed at addressing youth unemployment in Oyo.
With a blend of global experience and a forward-thinking vision, Owoade’s reign promises to be transformative, though it remains to be seen how the unfolding dispute with the kingmakers will be resolved.
