Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially presented the staff of office to Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, solidifying a royal transition that has sparked controversy among the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of Oyo.
The ceremony, held on Monday, comes nearly three years after the passing of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and despite resistance from five members of the Oyomesi, who argued that Prince Owoade’s selection was not legally sanctioned.
In a letter addressed to Governor Makinde, the dissenting kingmakers, represented by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), maintained that Prince Luqman Gbadegesin was their preferred candidate. The letter was signed by prominent Oyomesi members, including High Chief Yusuf Akínade (Bashorun of Oyo) and others acting as stand-ins for key traditional roles.
However, the state government defended its decision, with Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stating that Owoade’s selection followed rigorous consultations and divinations, aligning with royal traditions.
The new Alaafin hails from the Owoade-Agunloye royal family and brings a distinguished academic and professional background to the throne. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from both the University of Sunderland and Northumbria University in the UK and has served in key engineering roles, including his current position as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada.
This historic moment signifies a fresh chapter for the Oyo monarchy, even as it stirs discussions on the balance of power between the government and traditional authorities. As Prince Abimbola Owoade ascends the throne, the state looks forward to a reign that fosters unity and development for the Oyo Kingdom.

Nigerian lawmakers have flagged discrepancies in the Ministry of Trade and Investment’s 2024 budget execution, raising concerns over an unapproved addition of ₦9 million to a project originally allocated ₦50 million.
The irregularity was exposed during a budget defense session at the National Assembly, where Minister Jumoke Oduwole presented the Ministry’s ₦3.8 billion capital budget proposal for 2025.
Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, a House of Representatives member from Katsina State, drew attention to the issue in a cotton and garment project. He revealed that the project, budgeted for ₦50 million, was reported as costing ₦59 million, sparking allegations of unauthorized spending.
Minister Oduwole addressed other concerns, such as border closures and trade facilitation, but avoided commenting on the discrepancy.
This prompted further scrutiny from Mark Esset, another lawmaker, who demanded an explanation.
In response, the Ministry’s Director of Finance attributed the issue to a “typographical error,” claiming the project’s actual cost was ₦49 million, not ₦59 million.
Lawmakers were not convinced. Some alleged potential fraud, calling for stricter oversight of budget execution.
The Joint Committee on Trade and Appropriations directed the Minister to revise the figures and resubmit the 2024 budget performance report.
This incident highlights persistent concerns about transparency and fiscal discipline in Nigeria’s budgetary processes.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for accountability to curb financial irregularities and safeguard public funds.
A House of Representatives member from Katsina State, Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, highlighted the irregularity in a cotton and garment project. He pointed out that the project, budgeted for ₦50 million, was executed at ₦59 million, sparking suspicions of unapproved expenditure.
The Minister initially addressed other concerns raised during the session, including border closures and trade facilitation issues, but avoided responding to the discrepancy.
This prompted further questioning from another lawmaker, Mark Esset, who demanded clarity on the additional spending.

***Says, Elections Are a Huge Financial Burden

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has turned down the N40 billion budget allocation proposed for 2025, insisting on N126 billion to meet its electoral responsibilities.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this assertion during a budget defense session with the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, led by Senator Sarafadeen Alli.
“Our financial requirements for 2025 total over N126 billion, with detailed plans outlined for every expenditure. The N40 billion allocated to us falls far short and won’t cover even a third of our projected needs,” Yakubu stated.
He highlighted the rising costs of personnel due to the new minimum wage and the expenses for off-cycle elections in 21 constituencies, including the Anambra governorship election in 2025.
The INEC Chairman also noted past interventions, such as N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo elections in 2024 and an additional N500 million for bye-elections, underscoring the need for adequate and sustainable funding.
Lawmakers, impressed by INEC’s detailed proposal, pledged to ensure the commission receives the required funds. Senator Ireti Kingibe remarked, “The challenge is not about approving N126 billion but ensuring it is made available.”
The session concluded with a closed-door meeting between the committee and INEC officials to explore funding options for the 2025 fiscal year.
INEC’s demand underscored the escalating financial demands of conducting elections in Nigeria, calling for a robust commitment to democratic processes.