Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has formally presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The presentation, which officially recognizes the new monarch’s reign, took place on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

This significant event came nearly three years after the passing of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

The presentation ceremony took place amid ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the selection of the new Alaafin, which had been announced by the governor just the previous week. According to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, Owoade was chosen after careful consultations and divinations. The Oyomesi recommended him, and his selection was subsequently approved by the governor.

Oyelade noted that the announcement effectively put an end to the legal and social disagreements that had arisen following the death of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022. He also called on all citizens of Oyo State to join in celebrating the occasion and offer their support to the new Alaafin.