Oyo Denies Alaafin Access to Palace Council Account – Source

A video trended on X showing a renowned Imam from Oyo Town in Oyo State, identified as Daud Igiogun, alleging that Governor Seyi Makinde has denied the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, salary and allowance to run the palace since he assumed the throne in 2025.

Governor Makinde approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo in January 2025.

According to the viral clip TVC News digital obtained on Saturday, Imam Igiogun was heard calling for the disbursement of all outstanding payments by the state government to the Alaafin.

He said in Yoruba, but now translated to English, “please all the salary of the Alaafin, pay him. It’s not good as he’s been starved.”

Clarifying the allegation to TVC News on Saturday, a strong source within the palace, who requested anonymity, citing lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated that the Alaafin is only getting a basic salary, but the money meant to run the activities that keep the institution standing is being withheld.

He further alleged that all efforts to get the issues resolved have proven abortive, and the incident has persisted for more than a year.

He said, “The statement isn’t entirely false; Alaafin has been denied access to the palace council account. Money and allowance meant for the daily running of the institution.

“When it happened for six months, we thought it was just an administrative bottleneck because the state kept blaming the need for approval from the authorised signatories, but the issue has persisted for over a year now.”

He added, “Alaafin is only getting a basic salary, but the money meant to run the activities that keep the institution standing is being withheld.”

The source also alleged that the decision to deny Oba Owoade access to the palace council account looks like a deliberate attempt to cripple the institution.

Recall that TVC News reported earlier in April that Alaafin of Oyo dismissed speculations of a rift with Governor Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, maintaining that his relationship with both leaders remains cordial.

Speaking with journalists in Oyo town on Tuesday, the monarch said there was no misunderstanding between him and the governor, noting that any issues that arise would be addressed privately.

“I have nothing against the government. The governor has been very nice. If there is anything, I will meet in person to solve it,” he said.

When questioned about his stance on the newly inaugurated Oyo Council of Obas, Alaafin expressed support for every initiative that ensures growth in Oyo State.

Addressing concerns over his recent absence at some state functions, Oba Owoade attributed it to health challenges, noting that he had been indisposed for some time.