Adekunle Adeleke
Nigeria’s Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally approved the selection of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, a government official said on Friday.
There has been a crisis over the selection of a new monarch following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 81 after a 52-year reign, with five kingmakers in the town on Thursday, opposing Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive to initiate a fresh selection process to determine the new Alaafin of Oyo, asserting that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin has already been chosen as the Alaafin-elect.
After thorough consultations and divinations, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the Governor of Oyo State, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade said in a statement.
However, according to the commissioner, a statement to this effect has been issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademola Ojo, who said that the announcement has put to rest, all the socio and legal bickerings that have ensued since the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
Hon. Ademola Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the government in celebrating “this momentus occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
The official prayed that his reign will bring peace, prosperity and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.
Follow the KOIKIMEDIA NEWS 🗞️ CHANNEL on WhatsApp