Oyo prince and member representing Oyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi who is popularly known as Skimeh has hailed the ascension of Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, urging other monarchs in Yoruba land to support the new king.
The lawmaker who is a son of the immediate-past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, stated this in a statement released personally after the presentation of staff and certificate of office to Oba Owoade.
In a statement he titled, “The King Has Assumed The Mantle,” and addressed to the new king, Prince Adeyemi described the Oba Owoade as his brother and cousin who is now his father.
“Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has ascended the esteemed throne of a foremost Oba in the Yoruba Nation.
“My cousin/brother now my father. As you embark upon the sacred path of your reign, I implore Oranyan, Sango, Atiba, Agunloye, Alowolodu, Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi with their divine spirits, to fortify and empower Your Imperial Majesty with all that is necessary to foster magnificent successes upon the hallowed throne of your ancestors.
“Please accept my sincere congratulations and best wishes,” Adeyemi said.
He further called on the “entire people of Oyo at home and in diaspora to rally round the ‘Kabiyesi.”
Skimeh also urged the entire Yoruba sons and daughters to “warmly embrace the ‘Iku Baba Yeye.”
Speaking in Yoruba language, the federal lawmaker urged the Ooni of Ife, Alake of Egbaland, Awujale of Ijebu, Oba of Lagos, the Oluwo of Iwo, Timi of Ede, Soun of Ogbomoso, Olofa of Ofa and all traditional rulers across Yoruba land to embrace the new Alaafin.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde on Monday in Ibadan, presented the staff and certificate of office to the royal father in a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Agodi in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
