Temisan Olaifa
The Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has explained how he declined to influence the emergence of a new Alaafin of Oyo.He also said that his administration will continue to ensure that due process and laid down rules are followed in governing the state.Makinde, in a release issued by his Special Adviser (Media) Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Saturday, made the statements at the coronation of Oba Abdulakeem Abimbola Owoade I as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.He described the ascension of Oba Abimbola as a testament to his administration’s credibility as a stickler to due process, stating that his ascension is also a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Oyo indigenes.He said, “I want to say congratulations once again to the people of Oyo Kingdom. 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 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 and stand at the sideline, ensuring that rules are not broken for one side or the other. “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.”Earlier, the representative of President Bola Tinubu, who is also the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, congratulated Oba Owoade, saying the throne of the Alaafin “is a symbol of cultural pride, unity and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.
