The Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, recently made an announcement about the ancient stool of the Alaafin of Oyo, and it has sparked mixed reactions on social media and offline.
Nearly two years after the passing of the former Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Oyo state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has finally announced who the new monarch would be.
In a statement released on Friday, January 10, 2025, it was revealed that the new Alaafin of Oyo appointed by the state governor is Prince Abimbola Owoade.
This announcement has sparked mixed reactions online and offline, as the person picked to replace the late Iku Baba Yeye isn’t the name submitted and picked by the Oyomesi.
According to reports, Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin was the person picked by the Oyomesi to replace the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
This appointment was made by Gov Makinde through his chief press secretary (CPS) Sulaimon Olanrewaju. It is bound to set in motion a cascade of issues, which may include court cases.
Below is the full details of the announcement:
Who is Prince Abimbola Owoade?
Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade hails from the royal Owoade-Agunloye family of Oyo, one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade.
His lineage traces back to Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade from Agure Compound, Oyo, embedding him deeply in the cultural and historical fabric of the Oyo Kingdom.
Educational Background and Age
His educational journey includes attending Baptist High School, Saki, followed by obtaining a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and IB Polytechnic, Ibadan, respectively.
This educational foundation has shaped his analytical and technical skills. He is set to turn 50 later this year.
Professional life
Prince Akeem’s professional life spans continents, from being a planning engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK, to his current role as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada.
He is also the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, focusing on real estate and financial services, showcasing his business acumen and leadership in the corporate world.
Leadership and Cultural Initiatives
Prince Akeem envisions modernizing the palace while preserving its cultural essence. His leadership style is described as visionary, aiming to enhance community life, support the vulnerable, and repatriate Yoruba artifacts to enrich local heritage.
Netizens react as new Alaafin of Oyo is appointed
Here are some of the viral comments that trailed the announcement:
@daprincedozmart:
“Nawa o na governor they appoint king for Oyo now. Congratulations to una.”
@adefajosekayo:
“I love the fact that he is young. I pray God grant him the wisdom to rule because his reign will be long. I pray he doesn’t ridicule the culture and has the wisdom to separate culture and religion.”
@deji_primee:
“what’s going to happen to brother Lukman??”
@Captainbee:
“Ifa is now picking people that are based abroad.”
@ohluwasheun11:
“He’s way more younger… Congratulations to the new Aláàfin.”
“This governor Ehnn he sha later do his mind why did he reject brother Luqman in the first instance.”
“Who truly is meant to use Alaafin of oyo, is it the Gov, Oyomesi or Ifa Oracle. If have same issue in town in Lagos state but at end Kingmaker’s which is Osogbo cult headed Oluwo and Ifa chose among candidates from a selected ruling house.”
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