Alaafin of Oyo Denies Consulting Or Endorsing Rotational Chairmanship Claimed by Governor Seyi Makinde

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has denied being consulted or approving the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s Palace responded to remarks attributed to Governor Seyi Makinde, who reportedly claimed he consulted the Alaafin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso before inaugurating Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as chairman of the council. “The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs,” the statement read. The Palace categorically denied the claim, stressing that no such consultation took place. “There was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, held any meeting with either the State Governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned on this issue,” it stated. It also made clear that the Alaafin did not endorse the proposed rotational arrangement. “The Alaafin did not tell the Governor nor make any categorical statement endorsing rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the state,” the Palace added. The statement emphasized that the Alaafin’s stance, alongside that of the Oyo community, had already been formally communicated to the governor. “The position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the issue of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs has been clearly enunciated in a memorandum delivered to His Excellency by the Oyo Council of Elders,” it concluded.

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Olubadan Of Ibadanland Clarifies He Did Not Snub Alaafin At Interfaith Gathering

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has explained that he did not intentionally snub the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, at a recent interfaith gathering in Ibadan, Oyo State. Speaking to journalists, Oba Ladoja said the incident, which circulated widely on social media, was misunderstood and that his actions were dictated by the circumstances rather than disrespect. “There was no intention whatsoever. What happened was not deliberate. It has been misinterpreted, especially on social media,” he said. He explained that he arrived late to the event and was simply trying to reach his seat without disrupting proceedings. His seat was positioned between designated zones, requiring him to navigate through attendees, and by the time he arrived, other dignitaries had already moved. “My seat was sandwiched between Soun and Alaafin. I had to pass through some people to get there. I didn’t make any decision to avoid or ignore anyone,” Oba Ladoja added. The monarch also confirmed that communication had taken place between the two palaces and dismissed any claims of tension or offense. “I don’t think anyone was being offensive, and I don’t see the issue as an insult to anybody,” he said. Oba Ladoja called for peace and unity in Yorubaland, particularly among younger generations. “My goal is to unite the present generation and those coming after us. We must raise standards and focus on what truly brings progress to our society,” he said. The incident occurred on Monday during an interfaith event organized by the Oyo State Government at the Grand Space near the Oyo State House of Assembly.

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Olubadan Snubs Alaafin At 2026 Oyo Inter-Faith Gathering

A mild drama unfolded yesterday at the 2026 Inter-Faith Gathering held at the Secretariat’s Grand Space in Ibadan, as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, appeared to be snubbed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. The event, which brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, senior government officials, and community representatives, focused on promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual understanding across Oyo State. During the gathering, the Alaafin extended a hand in greeting to the Olubadan, but the gesture was not returned. The Olubadan later greeted Governor Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries before proceeding to his seat. Several attendees witnessed the moment, which quickly became a topic of public discussion. Opinions on the incident were divided. Some described it as unfortunate, while others urged caution, noting that long-standing traditional protocols and hierarchy might explain the exchange. Observers suggested that such interactions could influence perceptions of respect and decorum among royal institutions. Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde called on residents of Oyo State to remain vigilant and security-conscious, emphasizing that peace and safety require cooperation between the government and citizens.

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Alaafin Of Oyo To Confer Okanlomo Title On Seyi Tinubu And Obaloyin Title On Yari

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, is set to install Barrister Oluwaseyi Abiodun Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be honoured alongside Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, who will receive the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland during the same ceremony. The event, hosted at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo, is expected to attract traditional rulers, political leaders, cultural stakeholders, and dignitaries from across Yorubaland and beyond, reflecting the significance of the titles and the stature of the honourees. Palace sources said the installation demonstrates the Alaafin’s commitment to recognising individuals who have made notable contributions to societal development while promoting Yoruba culture, values, and unity.

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Alaafin of Oyo Appoints New Chief Imam

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has named lawyer Bilaal Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land, following the passing of the late Chief Imam, Mashood Ajokidero III, in early 2023. According to his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaye, Akinola was selected after successfully passing the required screening process. Addressing the new Chief Imam, Oba Owoade said, “This appointment is significant not only for our people but also sacred in the eyes of Allah. Leadership in Islam demands humility, sincerity, and justice.” Born on April 15, 1965, to Shaykh Bilaal Ogunbado of Imam Ogunbado compound in Akeugberu Oyo, Oyo West Local Government Area, Akinola studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. During the ceremony, the Alaafin also highlighted the importance of child protection for national development. Speaking to pupils of the Federal College of Education (Special) Basic School in Durbar, Oyo, he said, “Children are the future. Their healthy growth and development should be a top priority. Prosperous nations are those where family stability is maintained.” Oba Owoade stressed that national development requires enforceable laws, policies, and social services. He cited Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003, noting that abuses persist due to insufficient social consensus and political will. He drew attention to corporal punishment in schools, neglect, deprivation of basic needs, sexual abuse, and child marriage, often perpetrated by parents, guardians, teachers, or clerics, warning that such abuses leave lasting psychological scars. On broader societal growth, the Alaafin stated, “Citizens can only overcome the constraints of their historical and cultural environments by transforming their understanding of history.” He urged Nigerians to support government initiatives aimed at national transformation, emphasizing that strong families are the foundation of a stable society. “The increasing rate of family breakdowns has become a ticking time bomb, contributing to criminal behaviour among children from broken homes. Marriage plays a crucial role in shaping a strong society, and early childhood experiences profoundly influence the life a person will lead,” he concluded.

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Alaafin of Oyo Congratulates Imisi on BBNaija 10 Triumph

Alaafin of Oyo Congratulates Imisi on BBNaija 10 Triumph

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has publicly congratulated Imisioluwa Opeyemi Ayanwale for emerging as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10. On his official Instagram page, the monarch shared a simple message: “Congratulations @imisiofficial,” recognizing both her achievement and her roots in Oyo State. Imisi’s victory in the 10/10 season, which concluded on October 5, 2025, has been widely celebrated, with fans praising her resilience, charm, and determination throughout the show. By acknowledging her success, the Alaafin highlighted the pride it brings to Oyo State and the wider Yoruba community.

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