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

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
“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.