The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has declared that anyone found illegally collecting money during the selection process for a new Alaafin of Oyo will face prosecution.
Makinde made the statement on Monday when presenting the Staff of Office to Abimbola Owoade, the newly appointed Alaafin, in his Ibadan office.
In his speech, the governor emphasized the importance of the Alaafin stool to not only the people of Oyo, but the entire Yoruba race. He remarked, “The Alaafin stool is very important, not just to Oyo State but to the entire Yoruba race. So, under my supervision, I made it abundantly clear that the stool was not for sale. It is not a stool for us to toy with.
“I saw the prince for the first time in my life yesterday. I’d never met him before. I had no idea of his or any of the other princes fighting for the stool.
It was deliberate since I didn’t want to add my own thoughts or be influenced in any way.”The governor vehemently condemned the politicization of the royal institution and promised that, under his guidance, the selection process would be devoid of financial manipulation.
Makinde stated, “Some people speculated that it was due to political considerations. No. Politics and electioneering are pastimes; nevertheless, once elected, government is serious business. So, we will not play politics with governance. “Those who continue to destabilise our traditional institutions in Oyo should beware: the government will not back down.
We will prosecute them. The money they raised will not go unnoticed. “Unless the Kabiyesi forgive them, I will not forgive them.” He made another announcement: “The coronation proper will take place in four weeks, but today I will hand over the certificate and staff of office.”
That Owoade’s designation as the 46th Alaafin-elect drew an impressive crowd of dignitaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, and delighted Oyo indigenes. Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who reigned the Oyo Kingdom for five decades, died in April 2022, prompting Owoade’s rise to power.
The new monarch’s reign is projected to bring in a new period of cultural preservation, young empowerment, and economic progress for the Kingdom.