The Yoruba Youth Sociocultural Association (YYSA) has called for unity and support for Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly appointed Alaafin of Oyo. The National President of YYSA, Olalekan Hammed, commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the appointment and urged other aspirants to embrace the outcome with a spirit of sportsmanship and loyalty to the new monarch.
“The Alaafin’s stool is too significant to remain vacant. We implore all contestants who vied for the position but were not selected to give their unflinching loyalty and support to the new Alaafin,” Hammed stated. He emphasized that the new monarch symbolizes the Yoruba race and its rich cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of competency in selecting a leader for the throne.
Prince Owoade, a Canada-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, was announced as the new Alaafin by the Oyo State Government on Friday. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the appointment, marking the beginning of a new era for the ancient Oyo Kingdom.
Taiwo Adebayo, chairman of the Oyo Global Forum, described the Alaafin’s position as one of immense cultural and historical importance, expressing confidence in Prince Owoade’s capacity to lead with distinction. The newly appointed Alaafin succeeds the Late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, bringing fresh hope for peace, unity, and cultural preservation in Oyo and Yorubaland.
