Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, despite opposition from some members of the Oyomesi (kingmakers).
He made the presentation at his office in Ibadan, the state capital, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday.
The presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition was a culmination of events that began on January 10, when Makinde announced Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
However, some members of the Oyomesi rejected the appointment, arguing that the occupant of the stool is chosen in compliance with the registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.
According to Dotun Oyelade, Oyo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, the governor approved Owoade as Alaafin following the recommendations by the Oyomesi.
However, the kingmakers in the opposing faction claimed that only the Bashorun, head of the Oyomesi, can convene a meeting to elect an Alaafin, rendering any meeting convened by Makinde null and void.
Owoade’s appointment as the 46th Alaafin-elect drew an esteemed audience of dignitaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, and jubilant Oyo indigenes.
Presenting the insignia of office, Makinde hailed the Alaafin-elect as a leader destined to preserve and elevate the cultural and historical legacy of the Oyo Kingdom.
Describing the Alaafin as more than a traditional ruler but a custodian of a rich heritage, the governor expressed confidence that the monarch would lead with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering dedication to unity in the Oyo Kingdom.
He said, “We are assured that Oba Owoade will lead with wisdom, integrity, and a strong commitment to fostering unity.”
In his acceptance speech, Owoade committed to prioritising the development of the kingdom and the well-being of its people.
“I will devote myself to the advancement and prosperity of the Oyo Kingdom while ensuring that the traditions and values that have sustained us for generations remain steadfast,” he declared.
Owoade’s ascension follows the passing of the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III in April 2022, who ruled the Oyo Kingdom for five decades.
The new monarch’s reign is anticipated to usher in a new era centred on cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and economic growth for the kingdom.
An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has commended the Oyo kingmakers for their steadfastness in standing for the truth and speaking truth to power.
The organisation urged the kingmakers to remain resolute and to resist any attempts at intimidation or coercion.
The Oyo kingmakers, also known as the Oyomesi, recently rejected Governor Seyi Makinde’s appointee for the Alaafin stool. MURIC made its statement on Monday through its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
Akintola said: “The Oyo kingmakers (the Oyomesi) have rejected Governor Seyi Makinde’s appointee for the Alaafin stool, Prince Hakeem Abimbola Owoade.
“In a letter signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobalolu, and addressed to the state governor, the Oyomesi declared the appointment of Owoade as null and void, illegal, and unlawful. Five out of the seven members of the Oyomesi wrote the letter.”
“The kingmakers stated that they never recommended Hakeem Owoade to the governor. They said it was Prince Lukman Gbadegesin who was recommended by them on 30th September 2022.
“The five kingmakers who formed the majority and recommended Prince Lukman Gbadegesin since 30th September 2022 are the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Layinka; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, and two others.
“It defies logic how Governor Makinde ignored the recommendation of the majority to select a candidate supported by the minority. The governor simply delayed his decision while he searched for a candidate that suited his ulterior motives.
“MURIC condemns Governor Makinde’s underhanded tactics. The appointment of Owoade as Alaafin designate is a gross violation of due process. It amounts to an abuse of power. It is nothing short of a manipulation.
“This is a clear example of the words of Lord Acton, who said, ‘Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority.’
“If Governor Makinde is unaware of the truth in Lord Acton’s words, he cannot claim ignorance of the famous statement by Abraham Lincoln, who said, ‘You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.’
“Makinde may be able to deceive some people in Oyo, but he cannot fool the Oyomesi. As the last men standing, the Oyomesi have refused to be deceived. We commend them for this stance. History will surely be kind to them, and their names will be written in letters of gold. We remind the Oyomesi that they are the protectors of the traditions and customs of the ancient city of Oyo. The good people of Oyo, and indeed the entire Yoruba race, look to them with hope.”
“Before we conclude, we assert that Makinde is racing against time, but he cannot reverse the hands of the clock. He will not be governor forever. Nigerians will not accept him as the landlord of Aso Rock, given his record and his dictatorial tendencies as governor. The legal battle between him and the Oyomesi will outlast his term, and then what? He who laughs last, laughs best.”