Osun State monarch, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has congratulated the Alaafin-elect, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, and the people of Oyo Kingdom on the historic ascension to the revered throne.
Describing the emergence of Owoade as divinely ordained, the Oluwo commended Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for making what he termed a “courageous decision” in selecting an “exposed prince” to occupy the stool of the Alaafin.
In a Friday statement released by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oluwo praised Makinde for modernising the Yoruba traditional institution.
“I congratulate Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin-elect, on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers. While extending my congratulations to the good people of Oyo Kingdom, I equally commend the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for making such a courageous decision by appointing an exposed prince as Alaafin.”
The monarch lauded the governor for taking a transformative step in revamping the Yoruba monarchy.
“With this decision, Governor Seyi Makinde has convinced the digital generation that the Yoruba monarchy will soon be an envy of many.
“The governor is fulfilling one of the purposes of the creation of challenging the status quo by changing the narrative of traditional institutions in Yorubaland from analogue to digital,” it read.
Calling for unity and support from the people of Oyo, Oluwo emphasised the divine nature of the Alaafin-elect’s emergence.
“I want to call on the good people of Oyo State to accept the emergence of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the will of God. God has spoken. No one has the power to enthrone without the will of Olodumare (Almighty God). One of the means to manifest submissiveness to God is to accept whoever He promotes.”
He expressed optimism about the future under Oba Owoade’s reign.
“I have strong hope that the new Alaafin will use his wealth of experience to lift Oyo Kingdom and her people constructively. I pray for a peaceful reign in sound health. The crown shall glue to your head for long,” the statement read.
According to him, Owoade’s ascension marks a significant chapter in Oyo’s history, and is set to “carry forward the legacy of his forefathers while embracing the modern challenges of traditional leadership.”
