The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has issued a stern warning to the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers in Oyo, over alleged irregularities in the appointment of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.
Speaking during the presentation of the Instruments of Office to the new Alaafin on Monday in Ibadan, Makinde made it clear that any attempts to destabilize the traditional institution in Oyo would face serious consequences.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to upholding the integrity of traditional institutions, particularly the Alaafin stool, which he described as a symbol of unity for the Yoruba people.
He declared that the government would not hesitate to prosecute those involved in unethical practices during the selection process.
“Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down.
“We will prosecute them.
“The money they collected, they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi.
“If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.
“The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo town or Oyo State, but the entire Yoruba race.
“So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale.
“It is not a stool for us to toil with.
“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday.
“I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday.
“I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.
“Let me say this clearly: When we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.
“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said: ‘This is our friend.’
“They said one person is APC (All Progressives Congress) and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) or APC.
“Why should my decision be based on political considerations?
“So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.
“I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians because we see ourselves in the night.
“We go to each other’s houses.
“Politics, electioneering is a game.
“It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people.
“So, we will not play politics with governance.
“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022.
“We were moving towards the election and people said you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise Oyo people would not vote for you.
“I said the people should not vote for me, but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively.
“Oyo will continue to support me.
“The coronation would be in four weeks.
“From today, we have an Alaafin.
“I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.
“I pray that your reign shall bring unity to the Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.
“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as the Yoruba race in general.”
