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Makinde Ignores Oyomesi’s Rejection, Presents Staff of Office to New Alaafin of Oyo

Published

6 months ago

January 13, 2025

Eric

Governor of Oyo, Mr. Seyi Makinde, on Monday, presented the staff of office to Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition took place at the Oyo government house in Ibadan.

The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

On January 10, Makinde announced Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo in a statement by the Oyo commissioner for information and orientation, Dotun Oyelade, quoting the governor as approving Owoade as Alaafin following the recommendations by the Oyomesi (kingmakers).

However, some members of the Oyomesi, a few hours later, rejected the appointment of Owoade as the new Alaafin.

They argued that the occupant of the stool is chosen in compliance with the registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, not by consultation or divination as stated by Makinde.

The kingmakers in the faction include Yusuf Akinade (Basorun), Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing in for the (Asipa), and Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing in for (Alapinni).

They added that only the Bashorun, head of the Oyomesi, can convene a meeting to elect an Alaafin, arguing that any meeting convened by Makinde was null and void.

Speaking at the event, the governor said the Alaafin’s stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole.

The governor maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.

He said, “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.

“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.

“Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

“I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.

“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

“Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”

While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.

“The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added.

In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people.

He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin.
He also thanked those involved in the selection process.

In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom.

Top government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.

Sources: TheCable and Channels TV

Featured

Buhari’s Era Was Marked by Service, Discipline and Patriotism, Abike Dabiri-Erewa Mourns Passing of Ex-President

Published

14 hours ago

July 16, 2025

Eric

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his demise as the end of an era marked by service, discipline, and patriotic dedication to Nigeria.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commiserated with the Buhari family, the Government and People of Katsina State, as well as all Nigerians, on the irreparable loss of a statesman whose contributions to national development spanned decades.

In a statement issued by Mr Gabriel Odu of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, she recalled the late President’s efforts in repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, strengthening foreign relations, and promoting the active engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora in national growth and development.

“President Buhari’s support for the establishment of NiDCOM in 2019 demonstrated his deep appreciation for the Nigerian Diaspora and his belief in their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the nation,” she said.

While praying for the repose of his soul, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians at home and abroad to uphold the values of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service that the late President exemplified.

She also prayed that the Almighty Gid comforts the family and grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Featured

Glo Partners Samsung to Unveil Latest Phones, Rewards Customers with Free Data

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2025

Eric

Digital solutions company, Globacom, has partnered with Samsung, leading electronic device manufacturer, to offer an exclusive opportunity to Glo subscribers to pre-order the highly coveted Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 smartphones.

Those pre-ordering any of the sleek devices are also to get free 18GB data from Globacom as well as various gift items worth up to N1.2 million.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series with advanced design, camera capabilities, and AI integration, were jointly unveiled by the two companies at a masterclass session held at the corporate headquarters of Globacom, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday at an event attended by high net-worth Glo customers, special guests, journalists and officials of the two companies.

The pre-ordering of Fold 7 regarded as the thinnest and lightest in the series to date, and the Flip 7 which features a larger cover screen and enhanced FlexWindow usability with Galaxy AI, commenced immediately at the venue with several Glo subscribers ordering for the latest masterpiece from Samsung.

Speaking at the event, Samsung’s Head of Product Marketing, Stephen Okwarah, spoke on how Samsung has built a strong relationship with Globacom over time as the telco has always given Samsung good numbers in terms of sales orders from subscribers. He also explained the huge benefits and amazing features of the new devices for the benefits of those who want to upgrade their current phones or who want to switch to the new devices.

Earlier, Abdulrazaq Ande, Globacom’s Head of Division (West), noted that the two devices “represent the cutting edge of mobile innovation, adding that Globacom is “proud to make them available exclusively at Glo retail outlets across Nigeria”.

He also noted that the partnership with Samsung to launch the devices “also reflects our broader commitment to innovation. With our fiber-optic expansion, and smart solutions for homes and businesses, Globacom is building the future of digital life in Nigeria — and we’re doing it with world-class partners”.

He encouraged discerning phone enthusiasts to visit any Gloworld outlet and pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series to take advantage of the offer.

Some of the high net-worth individuals who have already pre-ordered the phones, picked up various gift items in a lucky dip at the event. The star gift of the day was a 55 inch Samsung QLED Television set, which was won by Idowu Emmanuel, a telecoms products dealer in Lagos.

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A Great Royal Icon is Gone, Sir Kesington Adebutu Mourns Passing of Awujale of Ijebuland

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Odole-Oodua of The Source, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, on behalf of the Ogbagba Royal Family & the entire Sons and Daughters of Ijebu-Land, has mourned the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91.

In a statement the Founder/Chairman, Premier Lotto, signed himself, he expressed profound melancholy at the demise while acknowledging the Oba’s wisdom courage, and an unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Ijebu-Ode during his lifetime.

Adebutu recalled how the late Awujale “worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among the various communities within his kingdom, and his efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his people.”

Below is the full details of the statement

FAREWELL TO A FOREMOST ROYAL MAJESTY- OBA DR SIKIRU KAYODE ADETONA GCON OGBAGBA11, AWUJALE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJEBU-LAND.

It is with profound melancholy that I write to bid farewell to His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Kayode Sikiru Adetona GCON, a Monarch whose legacy will forever be etched in the annals of history.

The Late Awujale’s reign was marked by wisdom, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Ijebu-Land.

His Majesty’s leadership was characterized by a deep understanding of the complexities of modern governance and a keen sense of diplomacy. He worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among the various communities within his kingdom, and his efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his people.

The Late Awujale’s impact on the cultural heritage of Ijebu-Land cannot be overstated. He was a custodian of tradition and a champion of the arts, and his court was renowned for its vibrant cultural displays. His love for his people and his land was evident in every decision he made, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

As we mourn the loss of this great Royal Icon, we take solace in the knowledge that his impact will be felt for years to come in Ijebu-Land nay- Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacies continue to guide and inspire us. Amen.

With Affectionate Regards

Sir Dr Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu OON CON CFR,KJW FISM FGPS,FNIJ FAmedS
The Pillar of Methodism is Nigeria and Odole-Oodua of The Source