A group of Oyo professionals worldwide, the Oyo Global Forum (OGF) has congratulated Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade on his emergence as the incoming Alaafin by the Oyo State government.
Canada-based Prince Owoade,an engineer was announced on Friday as the incoming monarch to succeed the former occupier of the throne, Late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju made the announcement in a statement on Friday.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the Alaafin stool became vacant following the death of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who was Alaafin from 1970 to 2022.
In the congratulatory message signed by its chairman, Mr Taiwo Adebayo, the OGF said, “Prince Owoade will occupy the exalted throne of the Yoruba people, a position of immense cultural and historical significance.
“For centuries, Oyo has been a shinning example of Yoruba-African civilization and culture. This is the rich legacy Prince Owoade will inherit and defend and we remain optimistic and prayerful that he will excel in his sacred duties, promoting our culture and traditions and leading our people toward greater prosperity and development.
“As a united body of Oyo professionals worldwide, OGF has been a steadfast advocate for peace and development in Oyo for over a decade. We look forward to joining hands with Prince Owoade to drive progress and inclusive growth in our beloved kingdom.”
LEADERSHIP further recalls that the throne of Alaafin has been contentious between some the Oyomesi, the kingmakers and the state government on the process for the emergence of a new Alaafin.
The global association also appealed to aggrieved contenders to the throne and people of Oyo to maintain peace and embrace lawful redress over their grievances, if any.
