•’Support Owoade or face prosecution’
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, warned on Monday, that
the Oyo kingmakers who took bribes to influence the selection of the Alaafin should refund the money collected and support the Alaafin-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade or face prosecution.
Makinde spoke at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan while presenting Prince Owoade with a Certificate of Appointment and Staff of Office as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
Makinde said that the Alaafin’s stool was important to the entire Yoruba race and not only to Oyo Town or Oyo State.
“Those who are, therefore, still hell-bent on destabilising our traditional institution in Oyo Town will be prosecuted over the money they collected unless they go and support the new Alaafin.
“Under my watch, I will make it very clear that the stool is not for sale. It is not a stool for us to toy with,” the governor stressed.
The governor further maintained that his administration would not play politics with governance, denying that he influenced the selection of the new Alaafin.
The official coronation of Owoade as the Alaafin would be held in four weeks.
In his acceptance speech, Owoade appreciated the governor, chiefs, and the people of Oyo Town for making his appointment possible.
He sought the support of all to rule well.
Makinde approved the selection of Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo Town on Friday.
The state government stated that the approval was based on the recommendation of the Oyomesi after thorough consultation and divination.
However, Owoade’s appointment sparked controversy as five of the seven members of the Oyomesi, also known as kingmakers, rejected his appointment.
In a letter to Makinde, signed by their legal representative, Chief Adekunle Sobaloju, the five kingmakers denied recommending Owoade to the state government.
According to them, they recommended Prince Luqman Gbadegesin as their nominee to the governor.