Oyo Professionals Congratulate Prince Owoade As Incoming Alaafin
The Oyo Global Forum (OGF), a group of Oyo professionals based worldwide, has congratulated Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade on his appointment as the incoming Alaafin of Oyo, following the announcement made by the Oyo State government.
Prince Owoade, a Canada-based engineer, was officially named as the successor to the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who ruled as the Alaafin from 1970 until his death in 2022. The announcement was made on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
In a statement issued by the OGF and signed by its chairman, Mr. Taiwo Adebayo, the group expressed their joy and extended heartfelt congratulations to Prince Owoade, recognizing the monumental responsibility he now bears. The OGF commended Prince Owoade for inheriting the throne of a kingdom with immense cultural and historical significance, as Oyo has long been a symbol of Yoruba civilization and culture.
The congratulatory message read, “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 shining 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.”
The OGF, which has been a steadfast advocate for peace and development in Oyo State for over a decade, further expressed its anticipation of working closely with the new Alaafin to drive progress and inclusive growth in the region. The group emphasized its commitment to supporting Prince Owoade’s leadership.
Additionally, the Oyo Global Forum appealed to aggrieved parties and contenders for the throne to maintain peace and seek lawful redress if necessary, urging unity among the people of Oyo.
The Alaafin throne, historically central to the cultural and political identity of the Yoruba people, has been a subject of contention due to disagreements between the Oyomesi (kingmakers) and the state government regarding the process for selecting the new monarch. Nonetheless, the OGF’s message reflects optimism and calls for a peaceful resolution of any disputes surrounding the succession.
