A fierce legal dispute has erupted over the throne of the revered Alaafin of Oyo as Prince Ismaila Olamilekan Owoade, a prominent contender, has filed a lawsuit against Governor Seyi Makinde and 19 others.
Owoade is challenging the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin, arguing that the selection process was fraught with irregularities and failed to adhere to established chieftaincy laws.
In a legal action instituted by Owoade’s counsel, Bamidele Ogundele, the plaintiff claims that the process which led to the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade was unlawful and contrary to both the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000.
According to the statement of claim, the selection process was fundamentally flawed, particularly due to the omission of an essential step in the tradition—the role of the Baba Iyaji of Oyo.
Under the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, Chief Mukaila Afonja, the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, is entrusted with the responsibility of presenting the most qualified candidate to the Kingmakers, or Oyo Mesi, for final approval.
Prince Owoade argues that this vital step was bypassed, leaving him excluded from the selection process and leading to what he contends was an unconstitutional and illegal appointment.
Prince Owoade has asked the court to take decisive action, including an injunction to prevent Prince Abimbola Owoade and Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin from claiming or parading themselves as the Alaafin, arguing that their appointment violated the chieftaincy laws of the state.
He is also seeking a declaration to nullify the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade and the presentation of his staff of office, citing that the actions taken were unlawful and unconstitutional.
In addition to requesting the annulment of the appointment, the claimant is urging the court to direct Governor Makinde, the Attorney General of Oyo State, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that the selection process is properly conducted, in line with the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
Owoade insists that the Baba Iyaji must present the rightful candidate to the Oyo Mesi, and that the re-evaluation of the selection process should strictly adhere to the chieftaincy laws of Oyo State.
The lawsuit, which was filed before Justice Jimoh Adesina of the Oyo State High Court, has captured significant public attention.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2025. Alongside Governor Makinde, other defendants named in the suit include the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Oyo State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Abimbola Owoade, Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin, the Basorun of Oyo Prince Yusuf Layinka, several high-ranking Oyo chiefs, and the Atiba Local Government.
Prince Owoade’s legal action has added fuel to the already intense debate surrounding the Alaafin stool.
His supporters argue that the selection process was marred by irregularities and political interference, while critics of his lawsuit contend that the process followed the necessary legal and customary guidelines.
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