Kehinde Fajobi
Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday officially presented the Staff of Office to the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, in a ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.
Owoade’s appointment as the 46th Alaafin was confirmed in a statement last Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
The presentation ceremony drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, and jubilant Oyo indigenes.
The event featured prayers from Islamic, Christian, and traditional clerics, followed by music and cultural performances, marking a significant chapter in the Oyo Kingdom’s history.
Governor Makinde, while presenting the Staff of Office, lauded the monarch as a custodian of Oyo’s rich cultural heritage.
He expressed confidence in the Alaafin-elect’s ability to lead with wisdom, integrity, and dedication to unity.
“We are assured that Oba Owoade will lead with wisdom, integrity, and a strong commitment to fostering unity,” Makinde said.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade pledged to prioritise the development of the Oyo 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 said.
Oba Owoade succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who ruled for five decades until his passing in April 2022.
His reign is expected to focus on cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and economic growth for the kingdom.