Thirty three months after the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has presented the staff of office to his successor, Abimbola Akeem Owoade.

On Monday morning, the governor presented the official instrument legitimising Owoade’s reign at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

Last week, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, was recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Makinde.

Meanwhile, Oyo State has been thrown into controversy following Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of Prince Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, a decision that has sparked opposition from the traditional Kingmakers (Oyomesi).

The Kingmakers have rejected the governor’s choice, alleging it disregards the names forwarded to him for approval after their extensive selection process.

The Oyomesi, custodians of Oyo’s royal traditions, claim that Prince Owoade’s name was not among the shortlisted candidates they submitted to the governor.

They argue that the governor’s action undermines the sanctity of the traditional institution and violates due process in the selection of the Alaafin, one of Yoruba land’s most revered stools.

In a press statement, the Kingmakers stated, “The decision to approve Prince Owoade as the Alaafin is unilateral and disregards our customary responsibilities. The sanctity of the throne must be preserved.”

Governor Makinde, on his part, has defended his decision, insisting it was in line with legal provisions empowering the state government to approve the appointment of traditional rulers.

His aides have urged all parties to remain calm, assuring that the government’s choice aligns with Oyo’s developmental interests.

The impasse has generated mixed reactions across the state, with some stakeholders supporting the Kingmakers’ stance and others backing the governor’s authority.

Analysts warn that the disagreement could escalate if not resolved promptly, potentially affecting the installation ceremony and sparking further divisions in Oyo’s traditional hierarchy.

As tensions rise, calls for dialogue between the government and the Kingmakers continue to grow, with the hope of finding a compromise that upholds the traditions of Oyo and fosters unity.