New Alaafin of Oyo Installed After Two-Year Hiatus

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, concluding a two-year interregnum in one of Nigeria’s most storied monarchies.

The announcement was made via a press release from Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation. Oyelade detailed that Prince Owoade‘s selection followed meticulous consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyomesi, the kingmakers of Oyo, culminating in his endorsement by Governor Makinde.

Hon. Ademola Ojo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, formally announced the decision, marking the resolution of various legal and social disputes that had lingered since the death of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022. The late Alaafin’s reign was notable for its cultural significance and leadership across the Yoruba kingdom.

Governor Makinde, in his statement, emphasized the importance of this new chapter for Oyo State. He urged residents and indigenes to celebrate the occasion and rally around Prince Owoade. “It is a time for unity and progress,” Makinde remarked, highlighting the new Alaafin’s role in continuing the legacy of peace, tradition, and development in Oyo.

The installation of Prince Owoade is not only a return to normalcy but also an opportunity for cultural rejuvenation and economic growth within Oyo State. His ascension is expected to stabilize community relations and foster a renewed sense of pride in Yoruba heritage.

The ceremony to formally crown Prince Owoade as Alaafin is anticipated to be a grand event. It will draw dignitaries, traditional rulers, and community members from across Nigeria and beyond and celebrate the rich tapestry of Yoruba culture and governance.