Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, has presented the staff of office to Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition took place at the Oyo government house in Ibadan.

On January 10, Makinde announced Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

Dotun Oyelade, Oyo commissioner for information and orientation, had said the governor approved Owoade as Alaafin following the recommendations by the Oyomesi (kingmakers).

Shortly afterwards, some members of the Oyomesi rejected the appointment of Owoade as the new Alaafin.

They argued that the occupant of the stool is chosen in compliance with the registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, not by consultation or divination as stated by Makinde.

The kingmakers in the faction include Yusuf Akinade (Basorun), Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing in for the (Asipa), and Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing in for (Alapinni).

They added that only the Bashorun, head of the Oyomesi, can convene a meeting to elect an Alaafin, arguing that any meeting convened by Makinde was null and void.