Alaafin: I met Owoade for the first time yesterday — Makinde
By Jeffrey Agbo
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that he met the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Owoade, for the first time on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Makinde disclosed this on Monday during the official presentation of the staff of office and certificate of recognition to the new monarch. The ceremony, held at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, marked the end of the selection process for the prestigious Alaafin throne.
Highlighting the significance of the stool, Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding its sanctity. “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.
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The governor emphasised his neutrality throughout the selection process, adding that he deliberately avoided any influence. “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,” Makinde explained.
He also pointed to his administration’s non-partisan approach to traditional leadership matters, referencing previous chieftaincy appointments during his tenure.
“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.
He further recounted another instance involving the selection of the Okere of Saki. “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,” the governor added.
