*** Be courageous, prayerful, ex-CAN president urges monarch
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has appealed to members of the royal families, particularly those who contested the throne with him, to support, collaborate and work together with him to take the ancient Oyo town to an enviable height.
Former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Supo Ayokunle, enjoined the Alaafin to be courageous and always seek divine guidance on the throne, in order to surmount impending obstacles.
The duo spoke on Sunday during the coronation thanksgiving service held at the Anglican Cathedral Church, Esiele in Oyo town.
Oba Owoade, who said until his announcement as the Alaafin, he never met nor had any relationship or rapport with Governor Seyi Makinde and or Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, noted that he did not lobby for the position, but only relied on the will of God to emerge for the people.
He emphasised the place of unity, saying in unity lied the strength and togetherness devoid of bickering and acrimony.
The monarch said: “I swear with my life that I neither knew nor met both the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu before my appointment as the Alaafin of Oyo.
“I never knew I would be the next Alaafin of Oyo, as I was neither desperate nor cutting corners in order to become the Alaafin at all costs. It was the will of God.
“I extended my hands of fellowship to those we contested together for the stool, to join hands with me in the name of God, in transforming our town to an enviable height.
“Let us remember that united we stand and divided we fall. In unity lies the strength and togetherness devoid of bickering and acrimony. We will successfully accomplish the arduous task ahead.”
Oba Owoade craved the loyalty and support of the people for the throne.
Dr. Ayokunle, delivering his sermon titled: “Reigning to lead Oyo and Yoruba people to prominence”, said courage and bravery were essential qualities of a good leader, adding that the two qualities were imperative to be demonstrated in the pursuit of justice, freedom and other noble causes for peace, progress and development.
The former CAN president, who described Alaafin Owoade as “a divinely ordained paramount ruler”, likened his journey to ascension of the throne to that of King David in the Holy Bible.
The cleric says the primary assignment of the new Alaafin is to ensure Oyo gets to the promised land.
Oba Owoade was accompanied by his wife, Ayaba Abiwunmi. Others on the entourage included some members of the Oyo traditional Council (Oyo Mesi), the Saamu and the Agba Akin, Baba Iyaji of Oyo (head of royal families in Oyo town), elevated Baales to Part 2 traditional rulers, and Owoade families.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of a customised Holy Bible to Alaafin Owoade.
