Makinde: I Met Alaafin Owoade for the First Time Yesterday

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, disclosed that he met the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, for the first time on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

Makinde made this revelation on Monday during the official presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition to the new monarch. The ceremony took place at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan.

The governor’s announcement followed his earlier declaration on January 10, 2025, of Oba Owoade as the new Alaafin. However, the selection has sparked controversy, with some members of the Oyomesi opposing the appointment. They argued that the Alaafin’s selection should follow the 1967 Chieftaincy Declaration, which mandates adherence to specific traditional processes, rather than consultation or divination.

Governor Makinde on the Selection Process

Addressing the gathering, Makinde emphasized his impartiality in the process and underscored the significance of the Alaafin stool.

“The Alaafin stool is very important, not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State, but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with,” he stated.

He explained his deliberate decision to avoid any personal influence on the process:
“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool, and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.”

Traditional Leadership Beyond Politics

Makinde also reflected on previous experiences with chieftaincy matters, reiterating his commitment to nonpartisan leadership in traditional affairs.

“When we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland, and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction,” he said.

The governor cited the selection of the Okere of Saki as an example of his apolitical approach:
“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said, ‘This is our friend.’ They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.”

Makinde’s remarks underline his administration’s commitment to transparency and the preservation of cultural heritage in Oyo State, even as debates over the Alaafin’s selection continue to stir.