Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has said that his administration will continue to ensure that due process and laid-down rules are followed in governing the state.
The governor added that his administration would maintain a record of not interfering in traditional institutions and would remain impartial in selecting traditional rulers.
Governor Makinde stated this on Saturday, at the coronation of Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola Owoade I as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.
He described Oba Abimbola’s ascension as a testament to his administration’s credibility as a stickler for due process, stating that it is also a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Oyo indigenes.
Makinde reacts to the nomination process of Oba Owoade
He said: “I want to congratulate the people of Oyo Kingdom once again. Your patience and resilience have paid off and this is why today has become a reality.
“Some people came to meet me to influence the selection process of the new Alaafin, but the Oracle didn’t really pick their candidates.
“The person that Ifa and the people of Oyo chose is the person we are witnessing his coronation here today as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
“Oyo is one of the oldest civilisations in Yoruba history. So, when they brought to me the first selection process and the person went on air to declare himself as the Alaafin-elect, I conducted an investigation and discovered that some people were bribed.
“Thereafter, I asked my conscience if the Alaafin’s stool was for sale and I said no, because I cannot defend it before my Maker.
“Yes, a lot has happened since the last Alaafin joined his ancestors, but we are happy today that those issues have been resolved in the way our forefathers would be happy with.
“Today, the people of Oyo State can be proud again that we have a new Kabiyesi that represents the interest of our people and that of our ancestors.
“When it comes to maintaining traditional institutions, this administration will maintain a record of never interfering with the process. We will be there to see that due process is followed. We will be impartial, stand at the sideline, ensuring that rules are not broken for one side or the other.”
Makinde charges Oba Owoade on Oyo progress
Governor Makinde called on Oba Owoade to work hard for Oyo’s progress, assuring that the state government would continue to play a vital role in ensuring the state’s growth and development and promoting Oyo’s World Sango Festival as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
He charged those challenging the emergence of the Alaafin in court to accept Oba Owoade as God’s choice, which the people and the government of Oyo State also support.
Governor Makinde added, “Oyo is a historical town that is a custodian of rich history and tradition, and it will continue to play a pivotal role in the growth and development of our dear state.
“Here, we have the Old Oyo National Park, and UNESCO recognised the World Sango Festival, domiciled here on the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
“The first Special Agro-Processing Zone and Agricultural Transformation Centre as designated by the African Development Bank is also here at Fasola, Oyo.
“So, as we celebrate culture and tourism this year during the International Tourism Summit, our attention will return to Oyo zone as we welcome visitors from across Nigeria and the world to grace the heritage sites from this zone. I know that Kabiyesi is a lover of tourism.
“Today is indeed the beginning of the good that would come to this zone not only under this administration but well into the future. No matter what happens to us as humans, we must not forget our history.
“Let me use this opportunity to urge the Kabiyesi and the Oyomesi to work together to ensure that the tradition around the ascension of Kabiyesi remains sacrosanct. Whatever needs to be done to protect the throne should be done so that the lacuna that we experienced during the past years will never occur again.
“And, for those who want to go to court, don’t go there to waste your time and waste our own time too. God has chosen for us. The people are also in support of the choice as well as the government of the state.”
Tinubu, others give remarks
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Chief Bayo Adelabu, who is also the Minister of Power, congratulated Oba Owoade. He said the throne of the Alaafin “is a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.”
Delivering her welcome address earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, said Oba Abimbola’s coronation marked a significant milestone.
She applauded Governor Makinde for his commitment to promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage and charged residents of Oyo to embrace the day as a celebration of unity and cultural value.
Also in her goodwill message, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, expressed the gratitude of all sons and daughters of Oyo as well as all Yoruba people to Governor Makinde, who, according to her, quenched Oyo’s thirst for a new Alaafin by giving them an Oba that is without controversy.
She maintained that the people of Oyo would rally round the new monarch to build the historical town.
Similarly, the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Yunus Akintunde, said Oyo town last witnessed the coronation of an Alaafin 54 years ago, pledging that Oyo sons and daughters would join hands with Alaafin Owoade to move the town forward.
Alaafin Owoade calls for shared responsibilities
In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade thanked Governor Makinde for his unrelenting support of the traditional institution in the state.
He equally appreciated the Oyo town indigenes, both at home and in the Diaspora, for their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in him to ascend the throne of his forefathers.
He called for shared responsibilities, cordial relationships, and unity among the communities to foster a sense of belonging, overcome challenges, and ultimately pave the way for progress, growth, and expansion of the economy of the Oyo kingdom in particular and that of the state in general.
