Julius OkorieOyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration will never deviate from due process in dealing with the state’s culture and tradition, describing Oyo as one of the oldest civilisations in Yoruba history.
Makinde who is in his second term as governor of the state, made the submission during the coronation of Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola Owoade I as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, at Olivet Baptist High School, Saturday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe described the ascension of Oba Abimbola as a testament to his administration’s credibility as a stickler to due process, stating that his ascension is also a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Oyo indigenes.
“I want to say congratulations once again to the people of Oyo Kingdom. Your patience and resilience have paid off and this is why today has become a reality,” he said
The governor who revealed that some people approached him prior to the emergence of Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola to tinker with the system of selection to favour their desires, said he refused to play because neither his conscience nor the oracle aligned with such move.
“Some people came to meet me to influence the selection process of the new Alaafin, but the Oracle didn’t really pick their candidates.
“The person that Ifa and the people of Oyo chose is the person we are witnessing his coronation here today as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
“Oyo is one of the oldest civilisations in Yoruba history. So, when they brought to me the first selection process and the person went on air to declare himself as the Alaafin-elect, I conducted an investigation and discovered that some people were bribed.
“Thereafter, I asked my conscience if the Alaafin’s stool was for sale and I said no, because I cannot defend it before my Maker.
“Yes, a lot has happened since the last Alaafin joined his ancestors, but we are happy today that those issues have been resolved in the way our forefathers would be happy with.
“Today, the people of Oyo State can be proud again that we have a new Kabiyesi that represents the interest of our people and that of our ancestors.
“When it comes to maintaining traditional institutions, this administration will maintain a record of never interfering with the process. We will be there to see that due process is followed. We will be impartial, stand at the sideline, ensuring that rules are not broken for one side or the other.”
Governor Makinde called on Oba Owoade to work hard for the progress of Oyo, assuring that the state government would continue to play a vital role in ensuring the growth and development of the state and promoting Oyo’s World Sango Festival as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
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He urged those still bent on challenging the emergence of the new Alaafin in court, not to waste their time and that of the government as the Oba is God’s choice, which is also supported by the people and the government of Oyo State.
Present at the historic event Saturday, were the representatives of the governors of Osun and Ondo states, Chief Kola Adewusi (Osun State Deputy Governor) and Prince Olusegun Omojuwa (Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor); Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni.
Also in attendance were traditional rulers across the country, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Victor Kiladejo; Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Titiloye and scores of royal fathers from Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa and Oke Ogun zones of the state.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier urged the new Alaafin to use his wealth of experience and office to strengthen unity not only in Oyo Kingdom but also in Nigeria.
“As you assume this sacred responsibility, we are confident that your wisdom, leadership, and dedication will further strengthen the unity and progress of Oyo Kingdom and Nigeria at large” he said
Oba Owoade succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The last coronation took place 53 years ago when the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi ascended the throne.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
