Governor Seyi Makinde Presents Staff of Office to New Alaafin of Oyo Amid Controversy

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the staff of office to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The ceremony took place on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

This event marks a significant development nearly three years after the passing of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III. The presentation of the staff of office was conducted amid controversy concerning the choice of the new Alaafin announced by the governor last week.

During the ceremony, Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of the Alaafin’s stool, not only to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole. He stated that his administration chose not to interfere in the selection process, adhering to principles of openness and transparency.

In his response, Alaafin Owoade pledged to work for the progress of Oyo town, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large. He expressed gratitude to the Governor, the Oyomesi (the kingmakers), and everyone who contributed to his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

The presentation of the staff of office was held despite opposition from five of the Oyo kingmakers, known as Oyomesi, who described the appointment of Prince Owoade as illegal because they did not recommend him.

Alaafin Owoade hails from the royal Owoade-Agunloye family of Oyo. He attended Baptist High School, Saki, Ibadan, Oyo State, and later obtained a National Diploma from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. He furthered his education with a Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland, and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Northumbria University. Professionally, he has served as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK, and is currently a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada.

The presentation of the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Owoade, took place on Monday, January 13, 2025.

The new Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Owoade, receiving staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde.