Makinde to prosecute bribe-takers, presents staff of office to new Alaafin

Governor Seyi Makinde presenting staff of office and certificate to Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, Alaafin-elect at the governor's office in Ibadan on Monday.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has threatened to prosecute and punish all Chiefs or Kingmakers within the Oyomesi or others, who might have collected bribe or gratification in the selection process that culminated into the emergence Akeem Abimbola Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Governor Makinde, who officially presented the Staff of Office and Certificate to the 46th Alaafin-elect, Akeem Abimbola Owoade, vowed that any Chiefs found guilty of alleged collection of bribes during the selection process would face prosecution.

Owoade is the new monarch, who mounted the revered throne of Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo State, Nigeria to succeed the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, whose reign lasted for five decades.

At a brief ceremony which was held on Monday, at the Oyo State Government House at Agodi in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, Governor Makinde emphasised transparency and accountability in the selection process of the new monarch.

The event which held quietly at the State Government House was attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers and leaders as well as Government officials, and enthusiastic Oyo indigenes.

The governor described the Alaafin-elect as a leader poised to upholding the cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom, noting that the Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler but a custodian of rich history and tradition.