The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, was absent from activities organised by the Seyi Makinde-led government to commemorate the Oyo State 50th anniversary celebration.
The week-long celebration featured several events that traditionally involve the participation of royal fathers across the state. However, the Alaafin did not attend any of the programmes.
The Alaafin’s seat was vacant during the opening ceremony of the Oyo @50 celebration held at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan. The seat of the Soun of Ogbomoso was also vacant at the event.
The grand finale, held on Tuesday at the newly constructed Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, had reserved seats for prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso were present at the grand finale, while the Ooni of Ife was represented by one of his wives. The Alaafin was again absent.
The continued absence of the Alaafin from the Oyo @50 celebrations is believed to be connected to the recent decentralisation of the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Recall in January, Governor Makinde inaugurated the reconstituted council, marking a shift from the long-standing permanent chairmanship to a rotational system. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was named the pioneer chairman under the new arrangement.
The Alaafin had earlier expressed reservations over the amendment establishing rotational chairmanship and publicly disagreed with the policy. Since then, the monarch has reportedly stayed away from state-organised official functions.
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