The newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has said he neither knew nor met Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, or former Senator Monsurat Sunmonu before his selection as the 46th Alaafin.
He made this known during a thanksgiving service held at the Anglican Cathedral Church, Esiele, Oyo town, on Sunday.
The monarch said his emergence was divinely ordained and not the result of political connections or influence.
Owoade said, “I never knew nor met both the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, before and during the process to the throne.
“I never knew I would be the next Alaafin of Oyo, as I was neither desperate nor cutting corners in order to become the Alaafin at all costs. It was the will of God,” he insisted
This was contained in a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday.
The PUNCH reports that Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, ascended the throne after the late Oba Adeyemi joined his ancestors.
The new monarch completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi on March 29.
Oba Owoade, therefore, extended his hands of fellowship to those we contested against him for the stool, urging them to join hands with him in transforming the town to enviable heights.
“Let us remember that united we stand and divided we fall. In unity lies the strength and togetherness devoid of bickering and acrimony, we will successfully accomplish the arduous task ahead,” he said.
The monarch restated unalloyed commitment to his agenda and assured the people that he meant what he said and should be taken for his words.
Owoade pledged to follow through on promises and maintain ethical standards in order to foster an environment where people feel secure and valued, encouraging open communication and collaboration.
Delivering his sermon, the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Revd. Supo Ayokunle, urged the Alaafin to be courageous and always seek divine guidance on the throne, in order to surmount impending obstacles.
He stressed that courage and bravery are essential qualities of a good leader, adding that these two qualities are imperative to be demonstrated in the pursuit of justice, freedom, and other noble causes for peace, progress and development.
Ayokunle, in his sermon titled, “Reigning to Lead Oyo and Yoruba People to Prominence,” described Owoade as a “divinely ordained paramount ruler,” attributing his journey to the ascension of the throne to that of King David in the Bible.
“Kabiyesi, do not think that you are alone on the throne. Be courageous, steadfast and committed. The Almighty God is standing by you and ready to assist you in leading the people aright. Be afraid of no one, but your God at all times. Call on Him and He will not let you down. Your mission shall surely be accomplished.”
The former CAN President, who pointed out that the primary assignment of the Alaafin is how to ensure that the ancient city gets to the promised land, added that “he must encounter obstacles but would not be insurmountable with courage, adherence to the words of God, and prayer.”
Ayokunle also urged the people of Oyo town, both at home and in the diaspora, to rally round and show sincere love to their king, urging them to “eschew vendetta, acrimony and rancour, as well as be generous towards the well-being of the monarch.”
Oba Owoade was accompanied by his wife, Abiwunmi.
Other members on the entourage included some members of the Oyo traditional Council (Oyo Mesi), the Samu and the Agba Akin, Baba Iyaji of Oyo (head of royal families in Oyo town), elevated Baales to Part 2 traditional rulers, and Owoade families.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a customised Holy Bible to the Alaafin.
