Governor Makinde announces Owoade as new Alaafin of Oyo
The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, while it is recalled that the process of selecting a new Alaafin has been marred by controversy and litigation.
Penpushing reports that approval of Owoade as the new monarch of the ancient town was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, adding that the choice was after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the the Oyomesi, who are the kingmakers
“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the statement read.
Penpushing further reports that the Oyomesi had earlier selected Prince Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect, but contrary to that the Oyo state government appeared not to support the choice of the Oyomes, hence, they approached the court in 2023 over the selection process.
The announcement of Owoade, as at the time of filing this report was not clear whether the Governor’s approval has resolved all existing controversies surrounding the stool, while it is recalled that the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, passed away in April 2022.
Penpushing also reports that the new Oba-elect was born into the Owoade-Agunloye royal family in Oyo town, a descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade of the Agure Compound, who is a Canada base businessman.
The profile added that he completed his secondary education at Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State, in 1992, and in pursuing a passion for engineering, he earned a National Diploma from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (1994-1997), and a Higher National Diploma from The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999-2001), both in Mechanical Engineering.
Penpushing reports that after his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) tenure with the Nigeria Gas Company in 2002, he briefly worked as a teller at Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri (2003-2004), and in furthering his education in the United Kingdom, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science from Northumbria University in 2012.
The Oba-elect also achieved Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in June 2015, and professionally, he served as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow before relocating to Canada, where he currently holds the position of Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a leading utility provider.
Penpushing further reports that Owoade is the President of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services firm, and was recognised for his philanthropic endeavors and active involvement in Yoruba cultural organisations abroad.
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