Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has threatened to prosecute kingmakers in Oyo Kingdom (Oyomesi) and others, who collected bribe or gratification in the selection process of the new Alaafin of Oyo.

He said any chief or anyone found guilty of bribe-taking during the selection process would face prosecution.

It would be recalled that five kingmakers (Oyomesi) declared the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as 46th and new Alaafin of Oyo by the governor as null and void because they did not recommend such name to the state government for ratification.

They insisted that the only person they recommended as the next Alaafin was Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.

However, the governor, while presenting staff of office and certificate to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, at the Government House in Ibadan, on Monday, emphasised on transparency and accountability in the selection process of the new monarch.

The governor described Oba Owoade as a leader poised to upholding the cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom, noting that the Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler but a custodian of rich history and tradition.

“I believe that Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade will lead with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to the unity of the Oyo kingdom,” Makinde stated.

In his response, Oba Owoade expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo and promised to prioritise the development of the kingdom and the welfare of the residents.

Oba Owoade was accompanied by a delegation of his subjects from Oyo town, marking a significant moment in the state’s traditional leadership history.

He, however, pledged to usher in a new era of leadership, with a focus on cultural preservation, youth development, and economic growth in the Oyo Kingdom.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Bashorun of Oyo and head of Oyomesi, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, said their lawyer should be contacted for reaction, saying he has nothing to say for now since the case is currently in court.

“I don’t know anything about it, I am not around, whatever you want to know, you can contact our lawyer because the case is currently in court, so, I can’t say anything outside the court. I am the Bashorun, I am not aspiring to become the Alaafin,” the High Chief stated.

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.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has vowed that individuals arrested in connection with the theft of sewage manhole covers along Abuja’s highways will face severe legal consequences to deter similar criminal activities.

In a statement released by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, Wike assured the public that authorities would pursue the apprehension and prosecution of all individuals involved in buying or using the stolen manhole covers and other vandalised public properties.

He emphasised that such actions not only constitute economic sabotage but also endanger the lives of Nigerians.

On Monday, Olayinka stated that the recent arrest of at least 50 suspects tied to the vandalism and theft of manhole covers in the FCT, along with the recovery of 25 stolen covers.

He described these actions as a testament to the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) commitment to combating criminal activities, mainly the vandalism of public assets.

Wike praised the swift and decisive actions of the security agencies, terming their collaborative efforts “fantastic” and providing further assurance to FCT residents that their lives and property are being safeguarded.

He also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their patriotism in denouncing acts of vandalism, stating, “Protecting public amenities is primarily the responsibility of the citizens, who are the rightful users of these resources.”

 

The minister encouraged citizens, especially those in the FCT, to continue leveraging social media positively, as they did in response to the recent theft of manhole covers, and promised that the government will always respond promptly.

 

He cautioned that those stealing or purchasing amenities intended for public use are, in fact, fellow Nigerians who reside among the population, urging patriotic citizens to expose these wrongdoers before they can commit further acts of vandalism.

 

Meanwhile, Abuja’s roadways are becoming increasingly perilous due to a rising number of stolen sewage manhole covers, prompting serious concerns from residents and authorities about safety risks associated with these illicit activities.

 

Just last week, multiple manhole covers were reported missing from various sites across the city, particularly along busy routes.

 

The absence of these covers creates hazardous open holes that pose significant dangers to motorists and pedestrians. Alarmingly, the thefts have been linked to several near-miss accidents, leading to urgent calls for action from local authorities.

 

In response to this troubling trend, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has condemned the thefts and emphasised the importance of community vigilance.

 

The acting executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana described the situation as unfortunate while visiting significant highways in the territory.

 

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command announced on Monday that its operatives have arrested at least 50 suspects involved in the vandalism and theft of manhole covers within the territory.

 

Reports indicate that the suspects were apprehended at various “Panteka” hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse.

 

The police have recovered around 25 manhole covers, three vehicles, vandalised solar streetlights, galvanised rods for constructing flyovers, tools associated with these criminal activities, and several other items.

 

FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu provided details during a press briefing, revealing that investigations showed the suspects are part of a more extensive network that sells stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers.

 

“Our operatives conducted a targeted operation that led to the arrests of 50 suspects and the recovery of various items at Panteka hotspots around the territory,” stated Disu.