Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has vowed to prosecute individuals involved in bribery during the selection process for the new Alaafin of Oyo, warning that anyone found guilty will face the law.
Governor Makinde made this statement on Monday while presenting the Staff of Office to the newly appointed Alaafin, Prince Abimbola Owoade, at a ceremony held at his office in Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the governor stressed the importance of the Alaafin stool to the Oyo people and the Yoruba race as a whole. “The Alaafin stool is very important, not just to Oyo State but to the entire Yoruba race. Under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool is not for sale. It is not a stool for us to toy with,” Makinde said.
Makinde revealed that he deliberately avoided meeting the contenders for the royal position to ensure fairness in the selection process. “I met the prince for the first time in my life yesterday. I had never met him before. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool. It was deliberate because I didn’t want to add my own opinion or be in any way influenced,” he explained.
No Politics in Traditional Institutions
The governor strongly condemned the politicization of traditional institutions, pledging that his administration would keep the process free from financial and political interference.
“Some people said maybe it was political consideration. No. Politics and electioneering are games, but once you’ve been elected, governance is serious business. So, we will not play politics with governance,” he said.
Makinde also issued a stern warning to those who tried to destabilize the traditional institution. “Those who are still hellbent on destabilising our traditional institutions in Oyo should beware — the government will not relent. We will prosecute them. The money they collected will not go unnoticed. Except the Kabiyesi forgives them, I will not forgive them either,” he stated firmly.
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Coronation in Four Weeks
While presenting the Staff of Office to the new Alaafin, Makinde announced that the official coronation ceremony would take place in four weeks. “The coronation proper will take place in four weeks, but today I will hand over the certificate and staff of the office,” he said.
The new Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Owoade, was selected as the 46th Alaafin-elect following the passing of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III in April 2022, who had ruled the Oyo Kingdom for 50 years.
A New Era for Oyo Kingdom
Owoade’s appointment has been widely celebrated, drawing an esteemed gathering of traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, and joyful Oyo residents to the event. The new monarch is expected to usher in a reign focused on cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and economic growth for the kingdom.
Governor Makinde’s strong stance on integrity and fairness in the selection process has been applauded by many as a step toward restoring the dignity and sanctity of traditional institutions in Oyo State.