Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, dared anyone who influenced his choice of the new Alaafin of Oyo to indicate openly.
Govenor Makinde gave the challenge during the formal coronation of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, in Oyo town, Oyo State.
Makinde, while insisting that he did not influence the choice of the new monarch, said, “Those they came to me for were not chosen by Ifa. The one nobody came to me to influence is the choice of Ifa.”
He stressed the importance of the stool of the Alaafin to the tradition and culture of the Yoruba land, maintaining that the stool was not for sale.
He charged the Oyomesi and the people of Oyo to support Oba Owoade to avoid the experience of the past when Oyo kingmakers were polarised in the process of selecting the new Alaafin.
“Those that are aggrieved and threatening to go to court should remember the case of Eleruwa who was removed and still returned by the people.
“They should not waste the time of the people; or the time of the state. They should cooperate with the new Alaafin who God has chosen. Ifa has chosen him, Oyo people have chosen him, Oyo State government chose him and Seyi Makinde has chosen him,” Makinde said.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Owoade I commended Governor Makinde, the State government, and the people of Oyo and Yorubaland in general for the support extended to him towards ascension to the throne.
“This support network provides comfort, encouragement, and reassurance, enabling individuals to face challenges head-on, confident in the knowledge that they are not alone,” he said.
While advocating for unity and support among his subjects and the people of Yorubaland, Oba Owoade said, “A united community possesses the power to drive change, both within its own realm and on a broader scale.”
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