Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has formally approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. This announcement was made after thorough consultations and divinations, and the recommendation of the Oyomesi, the historical Oyo council of kingmakers.

According to Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo.” The Commissioner added that the announcement has put to rest all the social and legal bickering that have ensued since the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.

Hon. Ademola Ojo, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the Government in celebrating this momentous occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo. The Commissioner prayed that Prince Owoade’s reign will bring peace, prosperity, and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.

Prince Owoade, a Canada-based mechanical engineer, succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, aged 83. He was born in 1975 and earned national and higher national certificates in mechanical engineering from The Federal Polytechnic and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, between 1994 and 2001.

The traditional and governmental processes initiated to fill the vacant stool had dragged on for years, with the Oyomesi announcing an 86-man list on September 5, 2022. However, the governor questioned the process and refused to approve the initial candidate, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin. With Prince Owoade’s appointment, the government hopes to bring progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthen the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution.