In a historic ceremony held on Monday morning, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State officially presented the staff of office to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The event, which took place at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, marked the formal recognition of Oba Owoade as the paramount ruler and custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Oyo Kingdom.
Governor Makinde, while presenting the staff of office, described the moment as a significant milestone in preserving the traditional institution of the Alaafin. He lauded Oba Owoade’s ascension as a reflection of the harmonious blend of tradition and governance, emphasizing the monarch’s role in promoting peace, unity, and development across the state.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions, noting their integral role in fostering socio-economic growth and cultural preservation. “Today, we entrust the leadership of this revered institution to a man of wisdom and integrity. Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade’s reign heralds a new chapter for the Oyo Kingdom, and we are confident that his leadership will inspire progress and unity,” he said.
The newly installed Alaafin of Oyo expressed profound gratitude to the state government and the people of the Oyo Kingdom for their trust and support. He pledged to uphold the traditions of the Alaafin’s stool while fostering modernization and inclusivity in leadership.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, and government officials graced the occasion, highlighting the cultural significance of the Alaafin’s stool as a beacon of Yoruba history and pride. The ceremony concluded with prayers and a renewed call for collaboration between the traditional institution and the state government to address the needs of the people.
Oba Owoade’s enthronement is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Alaafin’s stool, strengthening the unity of the Oyo Kingdom and its role as a cultural epicenter in Nigeria.
