Alaafin: Basorun, Head Of Oyomesi Steps In As Regent

Following the transition of late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, to the great beyond, the head of the Oyomesi, Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola, is expected to take over the affairs of the palace, pending the appointment of a new Alaafin.

Basorun, historically, has the final say on the nomination of a new Alaafin and his power rivalling the king himself.

According to history, the Oyo empire was a monarchical system which was headed by Alaafin, as the king.

However, an administrative council and governing body made up of chiefs, Oyomesi, serves to maintain a balance in power.

Members of Oyomesi were headed by a prime minister called Basorun who could request the king’s suicide by sending him a calabash of parrot’s eggs.

Basorun as head of the Oyomesi has the power to organise religious festivals in addition to becoming Commander in Chief of the Oyo Army which gave him tremendous independent religious authority.

Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde has denied responsibility for the serial death of the three top monarchs in Oyo State.

Makinde, while reacting to the social media rumours of his culpability in a comical manner, said he was not the one responsible for the death of foremost Oyo State monarchs.

Oba Adeyemi was the latest of the First Class monarchs who have joined their ancestors in the last five months in Oyo State.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi died on December 12, 2021 while Olubadan Saliu Adetunji died January 2, 2022.

However, Makinde said all monarchs who have joined their ancestors in the state were ripe in age and have made impact on the people.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG