President Bola Tinubu has described the ascension of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, as the will of God.
Tinubu also described Owoade’s ascendancy to the throne as historic.
The president said this during a meeting with the Alaafin, his wife, Abiwumi, and a delegation of other traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, May 16, 2025.
He congratulated the Alaafin for his ascendancy to the throne, assuring the monarch of his prayers and support.
Tinubu said: “It is a great joy for me and a great honour. Your ascendancy to the throne of your fathers is historic. It is the will of God and the heart of the people.
“I am following up on your foresight for development, your humility, and the fact that you uphold the traditions of your people.
“The inherited tradition is the making of the Almighty God. Your ascendancy to the throne – like my becoming a president is the divine will of the Almighty God.”
President Tinubu noted that the “hurdles, processes, and anxiety” along the way were part of the preparation for the position.
He commended the traditional council for the ease in nominating and crowning the 46th Alaafin following Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s death on April 22, 2022.
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“I am happy that you have shown character and discipline and uplifted your people’s name, values and culture, even when you were in Canada. I am glad you have become a hope of sustaining the Yoruba race,” the president added.
Tinubu said his administration will continue working with traditional institutions to implement policies to protect and prosper citizens.
“Our priority is still education and medicare. We want to uplift education and cultural values. Our door is open for participation,”he stated.
In his remarks, Alaafin assured Tinubu of the traditional council’s support in delivering his mandate to the people.
The monarch said Nigerians look up to the president for a new direction.
“Nigeria looks up to you, not only for leadership but for restoration. For a new vision rooted in justice, equity and inclusive progress. It is in that spirit that I have come to seek your collaboration. Oyo is ready, Yoruba are ready, and Nigerians are ready,” he added.
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