Oyo State’s Governor Seyi Makinde today Friday announced the approval of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of the ancient Oyo Kingdom.
The appointment was unveiled in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
According to the statement, Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi.
The last king, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, died on April 22, 2022 at the age of 83.
He died from complications related to prostate enlargement at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Adeyemi was the 45th Alaafin of Oyo.
He was the longest-reigning Alaafin, ruling for over 51 years.
He was also the permanent Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
He was fondly called “Iku Baba Yeye”.
“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement said of the incoming king.
Oyo State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, said the announcement drew the curtains of the legal and social disputes that followed the passing of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died on April 22, 2022.
“This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment,” Ojo said.
Oyelade expressed optimism that the reign of the new Alaafin would usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for the Oyo Kingdom.
“We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he added.
