By Adeyinka Adeniran
President Bola Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, Ambassadors of Portugal, Cuba, Brazil, and Spain, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Governors of Ondo and Osun State, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, top government functionaries, policy makers, family and friends were part of history when Governor Seyi Makinde presented Oba Abimbola Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo on Saturday.
At a glamorous event which took place at the Olivet Baptist High School, Olivet Heights, Oyo, the dignitaries which cuts from all walks of life said the once in a lifetime occasion is a sign of good thing to come for the ancient city and the state as a whole.
Addressing a large crowd during the event, Governor Makinde said the formal presentation was a culmination of earlier legal and traditional processes, noting that he had done his work since, but that the ceremony was for him to officially present the new Alaafin to the entire world.
He assures that his administration will continue to ensure that due process and laid down rules are followed in governing the state while also maintaining a record of not interfering in traditional institutions by remaining impartial in the process of selecting traditional rulers.
He said, “On the 10th of January, 2025, I pended my signature for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be a new Alaafin of Oyo.
“And on the 13th of January, 2025, I presented a certificate of office to our Kabiyesi. I have done my work since, but today (Saturday), I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo.”
The governor advised all those who are aggrieved following the selection of Oba Owoade to take a cue from the case of Eleruwa stool which lasted several years after which the sacked monarch was again re-selected and installed.
He said anyone thinking of going to court should not bother to waste time, as the choice of Oba Owoade is widely accepted by all because he never intervened in the selection process in anyway.
He said Oba Owoade has been destined by God, choosen by the Ifa, approved by him and accepted by all sons and daughters of Oyo to be the successor of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
He called on the new monarch and the Oyo mesi to work to ensure that the traditions around the ascension of the Alaafin throne remain sacrosanct, tasking them to do whatever needs to be done to protect the throne so that the lacuna that was experienced these past years will never occur again.
He said the way the selection process of the new Alaafin has been resolved is one that the forebears would have loved it resolved.
He noted that when he was sent the initial candidate selected by the King makers, his findings revealed that money had exchanged hands and that his conscience was not at peace at the process.
Makinde said the choice of the new Alaafin really represents the interest of the people and the interest of the ancestors.
The governor, at the event challenged anyone who might have approached him to influence the selection of Oba Owoade to come out publicly, noting that all the contestants that people came to meet him about, were all not the choice of Ifa.
Makinde said, “When they brought to me the choice of the first selection process. The person even went on air to announce himself as the Alaafin-elect. Then I made my findings, and I found out that some people had collected money in the process. Then I asked myself and my conscience, is Alaafin stool for sale? And I said no, I cannot defend it before my own maker.
“So, we have gathered to witness today, the coronation of Kabeisi, Oba Abimbola Owoade. By this singular act, we are reminded that even if some things happen and we are derailed, we will never lose our way. Yes, a lot happened since the last Alaafin joined his ancestors, leaving the throne to his fathers vacant for a while.
“But we are happy today that those issues have been resolved in the way our fathers would have liked it to be. And today, not only the people of Oyo ile, but the people of Oyo State, we can be proud again. We can be proud that we have a Kabiesi now that really represents the interest of our people and the interest of our ancestors.
“As I said on several occasions, when it comes to maintaining traditional institutions, this administration will maintain a spotless record of never interfering with the process. We will be there to see that due process is followed. We will be impartial, we will stand at the sidelines, ensuring that rules are not broken, but never entering the field of play from one side or the other.”
He added, “So, I want to say congratulations once again to the people of Oyo Kingdom.Your patience, your resilience have paid off. And this is why today has become a reality.
“Let me use this opportunity as I round-up, to ask that Kabiesi and the Oyo mesi work to ensure that the traditions around the ascension of the Alaafin throne remain sacrosanct. Whatever needs to be done to protect the throne should be done so that the lacuna that we experienced these past years will never occur again.
“So, all those angry, threatening to go to court, they should go and ask from the people of Eruwa, after almost over 20 years, the court removed the Eleruwa. They went through the process again, the same person has emerged again as Eleruwa.
“So, anybody going to court, don’t go there and waste your time, waste our time. God has choosen for us, the Ifa approves of it, Oyo town approves it, Seyi Makinde approves it, and Oyo state approves it.
Giving a remark at the event, President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu charged the new Alaafin to use his stool to foster peace, promote cultural identity, and support governance.
Noting that the Alaafin is more than a king, but also a symbol of Yoruba resilience, wisdom, and pride, Tinubu said he has always held the Alaafin stool in high esteem while recognizing the role of traditional rulers in nation-building.
He expressed confidence in the wisdom, leadership, and dedication of the new monarch to further strengthen the unity and progress of Oyo Kingdom and Nigeria at large.
According to the President, the historic occasion was not just a celebration for the great people of Oyo but for the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole, adding that the Alaafin stool is a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.
Tinubu said, “This historic occasion is not just a celebration for the great people of Oyo but for the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole. The Alaafin stool is a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.
“Today’s historic event is significant for many reasons, the Oyo Empire was once the political and military stronghold of the Yoruba people, renowned for its administrative sophistication, military prowess, and cultural influence.
“The Alaafin, as the paramount ruler, has always been the custodian of its traditions, the unifying force of the Yoruba people, and a bridge between the past and the future. 
“Today, as we install a new Alaafin, we are reminded of the words of the great sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo: “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture are like a tree without roots.” The Alaafin’s throne is not just a seat of authority but a living institution that embodies our history, values, and aspirations.
“Kabiyesi, your ascension to this revered throne comes at a critical time in our nation’s history. Nigeria is navigating complex challenges, and traditional institutions like the Alaafin’s stool remain vital in fostering peace, promoting cultural identity, and supporting governance.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always held the Alaafin in high esteem, recognizing the role of traditional rulers in nation-building. 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.”
Delivering her welcome address earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, said the coronation of Oba Abimbola marked a significant milestone.
She applauded Governor Makinde for his commitment to the promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the state, charging residents of Oyo to embrace the day as a celebration of unity and cultural value.
Also in her goodwill message, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, expressed the gratitude of all sons and daughters of Oyo as well as all Yoruba people to Governor Makinde, who according to her, quenched the thirst of Oyo for a new Alaafin by giving them an Oba that is without controversy.
She maintained that the people of Oyo would rally round the new monarch to build the historical town.
Similarly, the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Yunus Akintunde, said Oyo town last witnessed the coronation of an Alaafin 54 years ago, pledging that Oyo sons and daughters would join hands with Alaafin Owoade to move the town forward.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade thanked Governor Makinde for his unrelenting support to the traditional institution in the state.
He equally appreciated the indigenes of Oyo town both at home and in the Diaspora for their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in him towards ascending the throne of his forefathers.
He called for shared responsibilities, cordial relationships and unity among the communities to foster a sense of belonging, overcome challenges, and ultimately pave the way for progress, growth and expansion of the economy for Oyo kingdom in particular and that of the state in general.
Speaking in a sideline interview, the Iba Saamu of Oyo, High Chief Lamidi Oyewale Olayanju, a member of the Oyomesi said the coronation of Oba Owoade has naturally terminated any form of rift or disagreement among the Council.
He said differing opinions during the selection process are normal, but once a new monarch is chosen, all differences should be put aside, adding that the whole town is optimistic about progress and positive change under Oba Owoade’s leadership.
Also in his view, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams said the task of reconciling all warring parties will be new task before the new monarch.
Adams, who is a subject of the monarch also discouraged the aggrieved individuals from litigation, saying such moves have over the years amounted to waste of time.amd resources.
Other dignitaries present at the historic event included: 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, Tamunominini Makinde; Oyo Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and 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.
The event also had in attendance a wide array of 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 Victor Kiladejo; Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Titiloye and scores of royal fathers from Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa and Oke Ogun zones of the state.
Also in attendance were the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola; former military administrator, old Oyo and Ogun states, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd), members of the National Assembly, and captains of industry, among others.
