The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has declared that individuals involved in illegally collecting money during the selection process for a new Alaafin of Oyo will face prosecution.
Makinde made this statement on Monday during the presentation of the Staff of Office to the newly appointed Alaafin, Abimbola Owoade, at his office in Ibadan.
In his speech, the governor emphasised the significance of the Alaafin stool, not only to the people of Oyo but also to the entire Yoruba race.
He said, “The Alaafin stool is very important, not just to Oyo State but to the entire Yoruba race. So, 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.
“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.”
Watch video here
The governor strongly condemned the politicisation of the royal institution and assured that, under his leadership, the selection process would remain free from financial manipulation.
Makinde added, “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.
“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 forgive them, I will not forgive them either.”
He further announced, “The coronation proper will take place in four weeks, but today I will hand over the certificate and staff of office.”
TheNigerian Online reports that Owoade’s appointment as the 46th Alaafin-elect attracted an esteemed gathering of dignitaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, and jubilant Oyo indigenes.
Owoade’s ascension follows the passing of the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III in April 2022, who ruled the Oyo Kingdom for five decades.
The new monarch’s reign is expected to usher in a new era focused on cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and economic growth for the kingdom.
