■ Makinde to Oyo kingmakers: Return bribe collected or face prosecution
Governor of Oyo state, Engnr. Seyi Makinde has presented instruments of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.
The presentation was done in a brief event held at the Oyo State Exco Chambers Governor’s office Agodi Ibadan.
Oba Owoade was in company with his subjects from Oyo town.
Governor Makinde, in his brief remarks, hinted that the chiefs who collected money during the selection process would be prosecuted.
He stated that some kingmakers destabilising the state’s traditional institution over the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo Town would be prosecuted for the alleged bribe they collected.
Makinde had approved the selection of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo on Friday, January 10, 2025.
In Friday’s statement by the state government, the approval was said to be based on the recommendation, through consultation and divination, of the Oyomesi.
However, Owoade’s emergence sparked controversy as five of the seven members of the Oyomesi, also known as kingmakers, rejected his appointment.
In a letter to Makinde, signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju, the five kingmakers denied recommending Owoade to the state government.
The kingmakers noted that they recommended Prince Luqman Gbadegesin as their nominee to the governor.
While presenting the Certificate of Appointment and the Staff of Office to Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo on Monday, Makinde declared that the Alaafin’s stool was important to the entire Yoruba race and not only to Oyo Town or Oyo State.
The governor said: “Those who are, therefore, still hell-bent on destabilising our traditional institution in Oyo Town will be prosecuted over the money they collected unless they go and support the new Alaafin.
“Under my watch, I will make it very clear that the stool is not for sale. It is not a stool for us to toy with.”
Makinde, who made the presentation at his office in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, added that his administration would not play politics with governance as he debunked rumours that he influenced the selection of the new Alaafin.
He further announced that the proper coronation of Owoade as the Alaafin would be held in four weeks.
In his acceptance speech, Owoade appreciated the governor, chiefs, and the people of Oyo Town for making his appointment possible.
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