Controversies trail Makinde’s selection of Owoade as Alaafin-designate

Controversies have continued to trail the approval of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-designate.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had on Friday announced the approval of the 47-year old Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The Alaafin of Oyo stool became vacant over two years ago as a result of the transition of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi who joined his ancestors in April 2022.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade in a statement issued on behalf of the governor said that Owoade after thorough consultations and divinations, had been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the governor.

He added that a statement to this effect has been issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo.

Findings revealed that Owoade, who was born in 1978, hails from the Owoade-Agunloye family in Oyo.

The news of his approval as the Alaafin-designate has been met with resistance.

Those who opposed the approval described it as illegal.

The kingmakers in Oyo in their reaction described the appointment of Owoade as a mere executive recklessness.

The five Kingmakers from the town declared the appointment null and void because they did not recommend such a name to the state government.

They insisted that the only person they recommended as the next Alaafin is Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.

This was contained in a letter they addressed to the governor, signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju.

The kingmakers who opposed the approval included High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chíef Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo.

—DailyPost

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