Gov. Makinde appoints Prince Owoade as new Alaafin of Oyo amidst controversy…here’s what to know
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The controversy on the next Alaafin of Oyo has generated a lot of contentions as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the 22nd Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom. This decision which was announced on January 10, 2025 has sparked both anticipation and controversy within the ancient city, especially among the Oyomesi.
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Background of the Alaafin controversy.
Foundation for Investigative Journalism reports that the Alaafin stool of Oyo became vacant following the death of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022. Since then, the selection of a new Alaafin has generated issues, as any prince selected as the successor has been fraught with disputes. In May 2023, nine royal families protested their exclusion from the selection process.
The heart of the controversy is the rivalry between Prince Abimbola Owoade and Prince Lukman Gbadegesin. Prince Gbadegesin, who was earlier selected by a faction of the kingmakers, is seen by his supporters as the rightful heir to the throne. The appointment of Prince Owoade, perceived by some as circumventing traditional protocols, has intensified the tussle between the two princes, each backed by different factions within the royal lineage and the kingmakers.
However, reports have it that Prince Lukman was favoured by the five Oyomesi chiefs because he bribed them with over N15m each to appoint him as the new Alaafin.
However, on Friday, Governor Makinde approved Prince Owoade as the new Alaafin.
Nation Newspaper reports that the announcement of the governor’s approval was made through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, who stated that Prince Owoade’s selection followed “thorough consultations and divinations” by the Oyomesi, the traditional council of kingmakers in Oyo.
However, five out of the seven Oyomesi Chiefs expressed disappointment over the Governor’s appointment, labelling it “illegal and unlawful.” They contended that due process was not followed and that Owoade was not among the candidates they recommended.
The dissenting kingmakers argue that the selection process did not adhere to the established legal procedures outlined in the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961. They assert that on September 30, 2022, a meeting was held where Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin was appointed as the Alaafin-elect by a majority vote. His name was subsequently forwarded to Governor Makinde for approval, which was allegedly withheld without disclosed reasons.
They also argued that the governor’s appointment of Prince Owoade bypassed the traditional process, as no meeting was convened by the Basorun of Oyo, who is authorised to summon such gatherings for the selection of a new Alaafin. They emphasise that the Alaafin is not chosen through consultations or divinations but through a structured process involving the Oyomesi.
The Five Oyomesi who resented the governor’s appointment
These are the names of the five chiefs who have established resistance to Owoade’s appointment as the new Alaafin. They are:
Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade.
Lagunnaof Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele
Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf
Chief Wahab Oyetunji, Warrant Chief representing the Asipa of Oyo,
Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, Warrant Chief representing the Alapinni of Oyo.
Currently, there are ongoing legal process in the court as the kingmakers had previously filed a lawsuit to prevent any actions that might disrupt the selection process, but the appeal is still pending in court. They accused the governor of using the EFCC to intimidate over alleged bribery from Prince Lukman.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo remains a contentious issue, with significant opposition from key traditional figures and ongoing legal challenges.
About Prince Abimbola Owoade
He was born in 1978 into the Owoade-Agunloye royal family of Agure Compound in Oyo Town. Prince Abimbola Owoade has a robust academic and professional background. He completed his secondary education at Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State, in 1992. And pursued his higher education in Mechanical Engineering with an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and a Higher National Diploma (HND) from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Furthering his studies in the United Kingdom, he earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science from Northumbria University in 2012. Prince Owoade is certified in Project Management Owoade’s career includes experience with the Nigeria Gas Company and Oceanic Bank Plc.
