Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially installed Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by presenting him with the staff of office.
The governor presented the ceremonial instrument, which marks the formal recognition of the new king’s reign, on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.
This event took place nearly three years after the passing of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.
The staff of office presentation comes amidst controversy over the selection of the new Alaafin, a decision announced by the governor last week.
On Friday, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, explained that after extensive consultations and divination, Owoade was recommended by the Oyomesi and subsequently approved by the governor.
He emphasized that the announcement resolved the social and legal disputes that had arisen following the death of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.
The commissioner called on the citizens of Oyo State to join the government in celebrating this significant occasion and to offer their support to the new Alaafin.