The Federal Government expresses satisfaction in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abimbola Owoade and commends the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde for upholding the pattern of culture and tradition in the selection process.
Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, in a press statement issued by his media assistant, Caleb Nor, said the free and fair divination process that led to the announcement of the new Alaafin of Oyo is an indication that the Oyo State government recognizes the importance of our customs, traditions, values and historical practices in choosing who will ascend to the throne of one of the most prominent kings in Yorubaland.
Ajiboye noted that for a very prominent and universally acclaimed personality like Professor Wande Abimbola, the AWISE AWO AGBAYE, who is a Professor of Ifa Divinity to be called upon to conduct the exercise, bestows more credibility on the process.
He maintained that the role played by Ifa, the traditional religious system of the Yoruba people has not only brought prominence to the culture of the Yoruba’s but has restored dignity to the selection process of a prominent Oba as against the influence of money which has been the practice in the past.
He added that despite the alleged infiltration of the Oyo Mesi’s (Kingmakers) by some anxious contestants, the consultation of Ifa held supreme and its choice was eventually respected, which clearly shows that cultural protocols were followed to confirm the suitability of the candidate. He further stresses that respect for culture is the very first step to the development of humanity and nations.
“That the consultation of Ifa with respect to the selection of Alaafin held supreme makes it spectacular because that is culture. It means the process that recognized culture the most was upheld”.
“As an agency of the Federal Government, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), which is a citadel for the propagation of cultural philosophy in Nigeria applauds the process and commend His Excellency, Seyi Makinde for respecting the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people by allowing Ifa to select the person to be the next King”.
