How Alaafin-Makinde Warmth Turned Cold
There was a time when the chemistry between Governor Seyi Makinde and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, appeared almost picture-perfect. The governor had played a prominent role in
Once, the governor of Oyo region, Seyi Makinde, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, appeared to share an unbreakable bond. The governor had played a significant part in the succession of the Alaafin, and their relationship was marked by palace visits, warm exchanges, and public courtesies. However, the dynamics of their association have shifted.
The relationship appears to have cooled significantly in recent times. There are reports of disagreement and disputes between the Government House and the palace, leaving many questions unanswered. The dispute intensified when Makinde announced a rotational chairmanship among the Alaafin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
Oba Rashidi Ladoja was chosen as the first chairman, but the palace vehemently denied Makinde's claims, stating that neither the monarch nor the king had been consulted. Moreover, Oba Owoade's absence at the inauguration of the council last January raised eyebrows, casting further doubt on the nature of their relationship. The escalating tension is also evident in the Makinde administration's decision to elevate several high chiefs and Baales to the rank of Obas.
This move is seen as disruptive to the traditional hierarchy and the evolving structure of authority in Oyo. As the tension continues to build, the question remains: can the palace and government house regain the harmonious relationship that once seemed so effortless?
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
