The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has dismissed reports of ridicule at Chief Gabriel Igbinedion’s 91st birthday, affirming he was accorded full royal honours
Alaafin of Oyo Debunks Claims of Ridicule at Esama of Benin’s 91st Birthday, Says “I Was Accorded Full Honours in Benin”
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has dismissed reports suggesting that he was ridiculed during the 91st birthday celebrations of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, describing such claims as “unfounded and misleading.”
In a statement signed by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity at the Alaafin’s Palace, it was emphasized that the relationship between the Igbinedion family and successive Alaafins has been warm and cordial, tracing back to the 1950s.
“Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who maintained a close bond with the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, extended the same gesture to the incumbent Alaafin, inviting him to grace his annual birthday festivities as royal father,” the statement said.
The palace clarified that upon arrival in Benin City, the Alaafin and his entourage were received with full honours, from airport reception to the provision of two limousines and the use of Chief Igbinedion’s special chair. The monarch was also recognized as the only royal guest granted access to the celebrant’s residence with his full delegation.
During the thanksgiving service at a Catholic church, Chief Igbinedion specifically requested that no other dignitaries be seated beside the Alaafin and his wife. However, due to considerations of age and space, one of his children respectfully appealed for the celebrant and his wife to share the same row.
“The Alaafin graciously obliged, and on the same seat were the former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, and his wife. All other dignitaries sat behind them,” the palace explained.
The palace dismissed the reports of humiliation as baseless, stressing that Chief Igbinedion had consistently honoured the Alaafin over the years.
“It is illogical to imagine that a man who has consistently hosted the Alaafin at his birthdays over the years would seek to ridicule him at such a milestone occasion,” the statement said.
It added that those present at the event witnessed firsthand the respect accorded to the Alaafin:
“Those who were physically present at the event saw how the Alaafin was honoured and celebrated by all.” Read More
