Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State disclosed that he met Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, for the first time on Sunday, January 12, 2025. This revelation came during the official ceremony for the presentation of the staff of office and certificate of recognition held at the Government House in Ibadan.
Governor Makinde had earlier announced the appointment of Oba Owoade on January 10, 2025. However, the decision sparked controversy as some members of the Oyomesi (Oyo’s kingmakers) contested the process. They argued that the selection should adhere strictly to the 1967 Chieftaincy Declaration, rather than relying on consultations or divination.
Addressing the concerns, Governor Makinde emphasized the significance of the Alaafin stool, calling it a revered institution not only for Oyo Town and State but for the entire Yoruba race. He stressed his administration’s commitment to ensuring fairness and integrity in the selection process.
His words: “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 and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.”
