By Kolawole Ojebisi
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is expected to officially present an appointment letter to the Alaafin-designate, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, today.
This coming four days after Owoade was approved by the governor as successor of the departed Lamido Adeyemi who died about three years ago after reigning for fifty two years (1970 –2022).
Ahead of today’s letter reception, it was gathered that Prince Owoade, who is based in Canada, arrived in the state at the weekend.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Demola Ojo, is expected to be among top government functionaries to hand over the letter of appointment to Prince Owoade.
“He (Prince Owoade) is in town. He will get a letter of appointment from the state government tomorrow (Monday) so that he can resume work as Alaafin,” a top government source noted
Once officially recognised as the Alaafin-designate, Owoade will commence traditional rites leading to his coronation at a date to be announced by the state government.
This development comes despite opposition by some members of the Oyo Mesi (kingmakers) against Owoade’s appointment as Alaafin.
Five kingmakers had declared the appointment invalid, noting that they did not recommend Owoade to the state government, insisting that their chosen nominee as Alaafin was Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.
The kingmakers against the government’s appointment are the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; a warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and a warrant chief stand-in for Alapinni of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau.
Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians have started congratulating the Alaafin-designatee.
Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has joined others in congratulating Owoade on his emergence as the Alaafin-designate.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, Adams expressed confidence in Owoade’s capacity to lead Oyo kingdom, citing his education, exposure, and networks.
He also called on Owoade to prioritise the preservation of Yoruba culture and traditions.
“Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade’s emergence as the new Alaafin of Oyo is good news for the people of Oyo and Yoruba from all over the world.
“He should resolve with the aggrieved Oyo Mesi and build a strong bond that would help Oyo town.
“I have a strong belief that he would bring to bear the quality needed to transform the town.
“With his education, humble background, humility, exposure, wealth of experience, contacts and networks, Oyo town will experience tremendous development and the glory of the ancient town would be restored.
“His appointment is a new beginning and a new era of peace, prosperity, and unity in Oyo Kingdom.
“The people of Oyo Kingdom and Yoruba race at large expect Prince Owoade to restore the dignity of Oyo town, dedicating himself to the promotion and preservation of the culture and traditions of Yoruba race.
“His ascension to the throne marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Oyo Kingdom, and I believe he will lead the kingdom to greater heights,” Adams said.
