Makinde presents instruments of office to new Alaafin of Oyo.
By Adewale Owoade
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the instruments of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.
In his remarks, Makinde expressed the importance of the Alaafin stool to the entire Yoruba race, reiterating that under his watch, the Alaafin stool will not be sold to the highest bidder.
He warned that any chief found guilty of collecting bribes during the selection process will be prosecuted.
“The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.
“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday.
“Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down.
“We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”
Expressing his gratitude to Makinde and the people of Oyo, Oba Owoade pledged to prioritise the kingdom’s development and welfare of its people.
Oba Akeem Owoade is the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. His coronation will take place in February in Oyo town. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
