The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has vowed to prosecute the Oyo kingmakers, otherwise known as Oyomesi, who allegedly took bribes except they apologize to the new Alaafin of Oyo.

He said this on Monday, during the presentation of the staff of the office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Owoade.

This followed multiple reports that five of the seven Oyomesi were given N15 million bribe each by one of the princes aspiring to sit on the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo.

After announcing Prince Owoade as the new monarch to succeed Oba Lamidi who died in April 2022, five of the kingmakers aired their objection.

According to them, they didn't recommend Prince Owoade to the governor, adding that Prince Luqman was their choice.

However, while presenting the staff of the office to Prince Owoade, Makinde revealed that he stood by his word that the stool would not be for sale.

He added, “Alaafin of Oyo stool is important to the entire Yoruba race. It is not a stool for us to toy with."

The governor revealed that before announcing Prince Owoade as the new monarch, he had never heard nor met him before. He also said he had no relationship with any of the aspiring princes.

He further stated that the appointment is not political neither does it have anything to do with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He recalled how some people warned him that if he failed to appoint a new Alaafin after the stool became vacant in 2022, the Oyo people won't vote for his re-election.

"The Oyo people still voted for me," he said.

"Those that are still hell-bent on destabilizing our traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down, we will prosecute them for the money they collected, unless they go and beg Kabiyesi," he said.

He revealed that the coronation ceremony for the new Alaafin will be done in an elaborate way.