The Oyo State Government’s announcement of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo has sparked controversy, with kingmakers rejecting the appointment and threatening legal action.
Governor Seyi Makinde approved Owoade’s appointment on Friday, following recommendations by the Oyomesi, Oyo’s traditional council of kingmakers.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, described the process as thorough, involving consultations and traditional divinations.
“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” Oyelade said.
The announcement, according to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, ends nearly two years of legal and social disputes since the death of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022.
“This decision has put to rest all the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the transition of the late Oba Adeyemi.
“We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment,” Ojo said.
However, five prominent kingmakers, led by the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Layinka, have rejected the appointment, describing it as unlawful and a deviation from the customary process outlined in the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.
In a letter addressed to Governor Makinde and signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju, the kingmakers asserted that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin had already been selected as the Alaafin-elect through majority votes cast on September 30, 2022.
“Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin, having obtained the majority of votes of the kingmakers present, was deemed appointed and his name was forwarded to Your Excellency as the candidate appointed by the kingmakers as Alaafin of Oyo for your approval, which you refused to approve for no disclosed reason at all,” the letter read.
The kingmakers, including High Chiefs Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), and warrant chiefs representing the Asipa and Alapinni of Oyo, accused the governor of bypassing traditional protocols by convening a selection meeting at the Governor’s Office instead of the Alaafin’s palace.
“The Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but in strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967. Under this law, it is only the
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