The newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Olatunji 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.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving service held on Sunday at the Anglican Cathedral Church, Esiele, Oyo town, the monarch said his emergence was divinely ordained and not the result of political connections or influence.
“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 stated
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday.
“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,” the monarch added.
He promised to uphold ethical leadership, encourage open communication, and create a secure and inclusive environment for the people of Oyo.
In his sermon, the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. 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 in the pursuit of justice, freedom, and other noble causes for peace, progress and development.
