- Governor Seyi Makinde officially installed Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo
- Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade's selection as the new Alaafin sparked backlash from traditional Oyo kingmakers
- The selection controversy ignited widespread public debate, with some questioning the governor's role in the process while others expressed satisfaction with the process
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde officially presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade, despite the ongoing intense controversy surrounding his appointment.
The ceremony was held at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday morning, January 13.
Oyo governor’s announcement of new Alaafin sparks traditional dispute
The event marked the formal recognition of Owoade’s reign, nearly three years after the death of the previous Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.
Recall that Governor Makinde had disclosed Owoade's selection in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on Friday, January 10.
This sparked a backlash within traditional circles and among the public, as Oyo kingmakers questioned the validity of the appointment.
Oyo kingmakers call for suspension of new Alaafin
According to the state government, the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of Oyo, conducted extensive consultations and traditional divinations, which led to their recommendation of Owoade as the new Alaafin. The recommendation was subsequently approved by the governor.
However, some kingmakers disputed this, claiming that the appointment contradicted their choice of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin as the rightful Alaafin-elect. They cited ongoing legal proceedings regarding the selection process and alleged that the governor's action was unlawful.
In a letter from their legal representative, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, the kingmakers called for the suspension of the appointment until the matter was settled in court.
They argued that the governor had overstepped his constitutional role, which they believed was limited to issuing certificates of recognition, not selecting the monarch.
Public reacts to selection of Abimbola Owoade as new Alaafin of Oyo
The controversy ignited widespread public debate, with many Nigerians expressing their views.
One X (formerly Twitter) user criticised the governor’s involvement, stating, “The governor is overreaching his authority his own is to issue certificates of recognition not to chose who becomes Alaafin they will go to court till his tenure expires.”
Another netizen echoed the sentiment, questioning the governor's role in the process, while others expressed satisfaction with the selection process.
The situation has sparked ongoing tensions, with public reactions continuing to pour in.
TheRadar compiled some of the public reactions below:
“I don’t know why governors like complicating processes that have already been dictated by the law, and also truncating traditional institutions. ‘Constituted Authority’ did similar acts when he was in govt now it’s Makinde following suit,” Ayobami stated.
“Yes Politicians no suppose dey put mouth for who to appoint as king,” Ade reacted.
“Politicians shouldn't interfere in the traditional affairs. this days everything is just politicised... Make Una consult the Oracle naa🙄,” Captain Ochys added.
“This is traditional institution. It should be left out of politics and executive interference. We play too much in this country,” God is real stated.
“Seyi MAKINDE has done well by going with the people choice. OYO indigenes and Yoruba in general is happy ❤️🎈💥 ,” Aare Latoosa stated.
“Those that rejected it wanted to make d alafin stool an Islamic stool,” Factor reacted.
“I thought they are the ones that chose while the governor approves,” Victor Madu reacted.
“The gov has discharged his powers as enshrined in the constitution. They can go to the court. We don't want a Sharia Oba in Oyo,” Olugbenga Olubisi stated.
Governor Adeleke installs Adesuyi Haastrup as Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, officially presented the staff of office to Oba Adesuyi Haastrup in Ilesa, to start the reign of a new king.
Oba Haastrup vowed to prioritise community unity, combat land grabbing, and establish a vocational institute to empower artisans and reduce unemployment.