Oyo Kingmakers Reject Makinde’s Choice Of Alaafin

The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde has been rejected by five prominent Oyo kingmakers who declared the decision illegal and a breach of the traditional selection process.

The kingmakers insist that Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin remains the legitimate candidate they recommended for the throne.

In a statement issued on Friday, the kingmakers recounted their previous decision, stating, “On 30th September 2022, at the meeting of the Kingmakers in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, we appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo by majority vote.”

They further explained that Gbadegesin’s name had been submitted to Governor Makinde for approval. However, the governor failed to act on their recommendation and provided no explanation for the delay.

“The Kingmakers thereafter filed an action to stop the Governor from truncating the process, culminating in the present appeal at the Court of Appeal,” the statement continued.

The kingmakers expressed shock at the government’s claim that Owoade’s selection was based on “wide consultation and divination.” They emphasized that the Alaafin’s selection process is governed strictly by the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which codifies the native law and customs.

“The Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but in strict compliance with the law and custom governing the selection process for the vacant stool of the Alaafin,” they said.

The kingmakers also criticized a purported meeting held at the instance of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, describing it as a violation of the traditional process.

“Any meeting of a few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs held at the Governor’s office or elsewhere to select the preferred candidate of the Governor as the new Alaafin is not only contrary to the native law and custom but unlawful, illegal, invalid, null, and void,” they declared.

The kingmakers accused Governor Makinde of exceeding his authority, arguing that the role of selecting the Alaafin does not fall under the governor’s jurisdiction.

“This hurried appointment disregards the established procedures and undermines the sacred institution of the Alaafin,” they said, reaffirming their commitment to the traditional processes outlined in the 1967 Chieftaincy Declaration.

The kingmakers concluded their statement by urging adherence to the laid-down customs and traditions, emphasizing that any deviation threatens the integrity of the revered institution.

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