Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Saturday, presented and installed Oba Abímbólá Akeem Owoade I, as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, at the Olivet Baptist High School.

During the presentation of the new monarch, amidst tight security, the governor said, “On the 10th of January, 2025, I applied my signature for the recommendation of Oyo Mesi for Oba Akeem Owoade to be a new Alaafin of Oyo.

“And on the 13th of January, 2025, I presented a certificate of office to our Kabiyesi. I have done my work since, but today, I officially present to the entire world, the Alaafin of Oyo.

“Those who said they have not been told or heard or who are running up and down should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo.”

“Those who said they have not been told or heard or who are running up and down should come around and see the new Alaafin of Oyo.”

Mr Owoade in his acceptance speech, appreciated the governor for his support, promising “to always be for you just as you have always been for me.”

Notable royals and dignitaries that graced the ceremony include, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; the Orile-Igbon of Ilegbon, Francis Alao; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams.

Others are the Senator representing Oyo Central, Yinus Akintunde, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; Osun State deputy governor, Kola Adewusi; the Speaker of the Oyo House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; and the Oyo deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, amongst others.