Governor Makinde presents staff of office to new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, officially presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, in a ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.

The event, which also included the presentation of a certificate of recognition, followed the announcement of Oba Owoade’s appointment as Alaafin on January 10. The appointment was based on recommendations from the Oyomesi, the Oyo kingmakers.

In his remarks, Governor Makinde praised the transparency and fairness of the selection process and called on the new monarch to prioritize unity and the development of the Oyo Kingdom.

The Alaafin of Oyo stool became vacant in April 2022, following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who served as Alaafin for 52 years. Oba Owoade’s ascension heralds a new era for the historic Oyo traditional institution.