Oyo State witnessed a historic and controversial event as Governor Seyi Makinde officially presented the staff of office to Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. This follows his appointment to succeed the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who passed on April 22, 2022.
The ceremony, held amid fanfare, was overshadowed by opposition from five of Oyo’s kingmakers, known as the Oyomesi.
They declared Prince Owoade’s selection “illegal” in a statement sent to the governor and signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN). According to the Oyomesi, their chosen candidate, Prince Luqman Gbadegesin, was unfairly overlooked in what they called a breach of tradition and procedure.
The letter, signed by key Oyomesi members—including High Chief Yusuf Akínade (Bashorun of Oyo) and High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo)—argues that the proper traditional recommendation was not followed.
Despite the pushback, Governor Makinde, through the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, defended his decision, emphasizing that Prince Owoade’s appointment came after extensive consultations and divinations.
Prince Abimbola Owoade, who hails from the Owoade-Agunloye royal lineage, is not only deeply rooted in tradition but also brings a wealth of academic and professional expertise.
Educated in Nigeria and abroad, the new monarch holds a BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University, respectively. His career spans prestigious roles, including Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK, and Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada.
The ceremony marked a critical juncture for Oyo’s monarchy as the state balances modern governance with deeply rooted traditions.
