Makinde presents staff of office to new Alaafin, Owoade

Monarch to begin 21-day traditional rites

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, officially presented the Staff of Office and Certificate of Appointment to the 46th Alaafin-elect, Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade, indicating his formal ascension to the throne of his forebears.

The brief ceremony, at the Government House in Agodi, Ibadan, was attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, and enthusiastic indigenes.

Makinde had approved Owoade’s appointment in an announcement made in a Friday statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

During the presentation, the governor described the Alaafin-elect as a visionary leader, committed to preserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom.

He emphasised the importance of the Alaafin’s role as not only a traditional ruler, but also a custodian of the kingdom’s legacy, expressing confidence in Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade’s ability to lead with wisdom, integrity, and dedication to unity.

Prince Owoade succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, whose reign spanned five decades.

In his acceptance speech, the new Alaafin expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo for their trust and support, pledging to prioritise the kingdom’s development and welfare of its residents.

BESIDES, the new monarch is to begin a 21-day traditional rite.

Following the acceptance of instruments of office, a source, who craved anonymity, told newsmen that the new Alaafin has headed to Oyo town, where he is to be received by his subjects, adding that his 21-day of traditional rite for the ascension to the throne would begin immediately.