Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his commitment to the coronation of Akeem Owoade as the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, despite ongoing litigation challenging Owoade’s emergence.
Two contestants for the throne, Lukman Gbadegesin and Ismaila Owoade, have filed lawsuits challenging Makinde’s approval and presentation of certificate and staff of office to Owoade as the new Alaafin. The lawsuits allege that Owoade’s appointment violates the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde maintained that there was no court judgment stopping the state government from proceeding with Owoade’s coronation. “Is there any ruling that stops the government from going ahead with the coronation? Is there any? We are going ahead because there is no court judgment that is stopping us from going ahead,” Makinde said.
Despite the litigation, preparations for Owoade’s coronation are ongoing. The head of the state planning committee for the Alaafin coronation, Demola Ojo, confirmed that preparations were in progress. Owoade, who returned to Nigeria on Wednesday after spending seven weeks in Canada, has been receiving visitors at his private residence in Oyo town.
The Chairman of the Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, expressed support for Owoade’s emergence, stating that most people in Oyo town were pleased with the choice. Ladigbolu, who was one of the aspirants to become the 45th Alaafin, noted that time would heal the wounds or grievances of those opposed to Owoade’s emergence.
The coronation of Akeem Owoade as the 45th Alaafin of Oyo is set to proceed despite ongoing litigation challenging his emergence. Governor Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed his commitment to the coronation, citing the absence of a court judgment stopping the state government from proceeding.