The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has charged the new Alaafin-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade to embrace peace as he emerged the monarch of the ancient Oyo town.
In a congratulatory message issued by Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare on Saturday, Oba Ogunwusi described his appointment as a new era of prosperity, unity, and cultural preservation for the great people of Oyo.
He expressed optimism that Prince Owoade would build on the enduring legacy of his predecessors, particularly the immediate past Alaafin; Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi III who had ruled Oyo with enviable and sterling leadership quality.
“Ooni palace commends the patience displayed by the royal family, kingmakers, and the people of Oyo home and in diaspora, both at home and in the diaspora throughout this sacred process which lasted over two years. The palace praised the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State for providing the enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that has now birthed a new royal era.
“Historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and Yoruba Cultural Preservation. Oyo remains a very important crown jewel in Yoruba land. This interconnected lineage emphasizes the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage. The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy.
“We are confident that the Alaafin-elect will build upon the enduring legacy of his predecessors, particularly the immediate past Alaafin; Late Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi III who had ruled Oyo with enviable and sterling leadership quality. Now that you have emerged victorious, you have become the father of all who must really all other contestants for the growth of the Oyo kingdom because you can not do it alone, you must bring everyone on board, Oyomesi must remain united under your watch either those who supported you or those who didn’t support you, you must be magnanimous in victory.
“Please be ready to toe the path of peace with all the kingmakers without favouritism and partiality so that you can serve your people as a beacon of hope, justice, and development. Your ascension is a testament to the resilience of our traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race”, the statement reads partly.1
