New Alaafin of Oyo credits his emergence to God's will

• Oba Akeem Olatunji Owoade credited his ascension as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo to divine will, emphasising it was not influenced by politics or external forces
• At his thanksgiving service, the new Alaafin vowed to lead with unity, calling for cooperation and promising to ensure the well-being of Oyo citizens
• Governor Seyi Makinde endorsed Oba Owoade’s legitimacy, urging sceptics to come and witness the new monarch, marking the start of a fresh era for Oyo

The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Olatunji Owoade, has expressed deep gratitude for his ascension to the throne, attributing it entirely to divine will rather than political manoeuvring or external influence. 

In his first public statement after being crowned the 46th Alaafin, Owoade made it clear that his emergence was not influenced by any political connections, notably stating that he had never met Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde or former Senator Monsurat Sunmonu during the selection process.

Oba Owoade, who was crowned on Saturday, April 5, after completing all the required rites and ceremonies, shared his thoughts during a thanksgiving service at the Anglican Cathedral Church, Esiele, in Oyo town. 

He remarked that he had never been desperate for the position and had not attempted to cut corners in order to attain the throne. 

“I never knew I would be the next Alaafin of Oyo. It was never something I sought or worked towards,” he said, stressing that his coronation was the will of God.

The new monarch further clarified that his ascent to the throne was not based on any political influence or machinations. 

"I never knew nor met both the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu before or during the process to the throne," Owoade stated. 

Owoade, who pledged to uphold ethical leadership, further emphasised the importance of unity within Oyo State. 

"Let us remember that united we stand and divided we fall. In unity lies our strength," he said, calling on the people of Oyo to work together in harmony, devoid of bickering and acrimony. 

He noted that with cooperation, the community could overcome the challenges ahead.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who officially presented Oba Owoade to the public over the weekend, affirmed the new monarch’s legitimacy, inviting anyone sceptical about his ascension to come and witness the new Alaafin for themselves. 

“Those who say they have not been told or heard, or who are running around, should come and see the new Alaafin of Oyo,” Makinde stated, further solidifying Owoade’s position as the rightful ruler.

Oba Owoade’s emergence follows a period of anticipation after the passing of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and marks the beginning of a new era for the Oyo kingdom. 

Alaafin of Oyo-designate returns from Canada ahead of April coronation

Earlier TheRadar reported that the Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Oba Akeem Owoade, had arrived in Nigeria after spending approximately seven weeks in Canada. 

The monarch-elect touched down at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja on Wednesday evening and is expected to make his way to his ancestral home in Oyo town later today Thursday, March 6.

Owoade's return comes just under a month before his eagerly anticipated coronation as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, set for April 5.