Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has presented the staff of the office to new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.
The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.
The presentation of the staff of office was done amid controversy concerning the choice of the new Alaafin, whose appointment was announced by the governor last week.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the Alaafin’s stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the entire Yoruba race.
The governor maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.
Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin.
He also thanked those involved in the selection process.
In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom.
Top government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.
