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Opponents mull legal option as Makinde approves Awoade as new Alaafin of Oyo

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Opponents mull legal option as Makinde approves Awoade as new Alaafin 

The governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Makinde on Friday  afternoon finally approved Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo to succeed  the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 who joined his ancestors  on April 22, 2022.

The approval of prince Owoade  as the  Alaafin elect, though believed to have brought an end to the crisis  over who occupies the important stool in Yorubaland,  but it is not going down well with some powerful traditional kingmakers in Oyo township who believe Owoade was imposed by the government.

The commissioner for information of Oyo State, Prince Dotun Oyelade who made the announcement  stated  that Prince Owoade was approved by Governor Makinde, after wide and  due consultations with those that matter and traditional divination conducted  by the Oyo Mesi (King makers).

Also, the  State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ademola Ojo, said that the approval and the pronouncement  of Owoade has ended the three  years social and legal disputes that followed  the demise of former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111

However, five traditional kingmakers appear to be comfortable with the approval of Governor Makinde’s choice.

They argue that before  now, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin had already been  chosen by the  King makers, before  Governor Makinde ordered  for a fresh nomination which they were not happy about, and which eventually produced Prince Owoade.

The dissenting kingmakers include the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, standing in for the Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, standing in for the Alapinni of Oyo.

Although the Governor had had his say, the situation  is still cloudy as there were speculations that those opposed to the selection and approval of Owoade are still likely to contest that in court.

Meanwhile, Oyelade had  expressed optimism that the reign of the new Alaafin would usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for the Oyo Kingdom

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“We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution,” he added.

Meanwhile, the background of the Alaafin elect, Prince Owoade shows that he  hails from the royal Owoade-Agunloye family of Oyo. He is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade.

He attended Baptist High School, Saki, and later obtained a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (1994 — 1997).

He furthered his education with a Higher National Diploma in the same field at The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999 — 2001).

His  professional journey,  began  as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, UK, and is currently a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada. Additionally, he serves as the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a company specialising in real estate and financial services, demonstrating his leadership and business acumen in the corporate sector.

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