Following recommendations of the Oyomesi after thorough consultations and divinations, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
The appointment was officially announced on Friday in a statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade.
The statement said: “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
Mr. Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, noted that the appointment brings an end to the socio-legal disputes that have plagued the kingdom since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.
He said: “This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi.
“We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment. We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution.”
Persecondnews recalls that the selection process for the successor of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was marred by controversies and struggles following his passing on April 22, 2022.
Makinde’s recent directive to initiate a fresh selection process was rejected by five prominent kingmakers, who deemed the move illegal and disrespectful to the judiciary, citing a pending court case.
The kingmakers firmly asserted that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is indeed the rightful Alaafin-elect, pointing to the ongoing legal proceedings as evidence that the selection process has already been concluded in his favor.
Mr. Adekunle Sobaloju, the kingmakers’ legal counsel, condemned Makinde’s approval of Prince Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, labeling it illegal and demanding that the process be put on hold until the court reaches a verdict.
The oba-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist with dual Nigerian and Canadian citizenship, serving as the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a prominent real estate investment and financial services firm based in Manitoba, Canada.
Born into the esteemed Owoade-Agunloye royal family in Oyo town 49 years ago, Prince Owoade is a descendant of the revered Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of Agure Compound, Oyo town, through his father, Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade.
Owoade obtained his secondary school certificate from Baptist High School in Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria, graduating in 1992.
His father, Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, played a significant role in the development of the Oke-Ogun community, working with the Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme to enhance agricultural productivity in the region.
Pursuing his passion for engineering, Prince Abimbola Owoade embarked on his academic journey, earning his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State (1994-1997), and the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State (1999-2001), respectively.
Owoade furthered his education in the United Kingdom, attending the University of Sunderland in 2008, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, and later Northumbria University in 2012, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
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