Metro
Alaafin Appointment: Prince Gbadegesin Challenges Makinde In Court
By Benjamin Abioye
Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is taking legal action to contest the recent appointment and presentation of the staff of office to Prince Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Gbadegesin, who claims to have been the choice of the majority of Oyo’s Kingmakers, is asking the court to overturn Governor Makinde’s decision and recognize him as the rightful Alaafin.
In a pre-action notice submitted by his lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, the Prince argued that the Governor’s actions violate the Oyo State Chiefs’ Law of 2000. The notice also stated that the Governor’s decision bypassed the authority of the Oyomesi, the council responsible for selecting the Alaafin under the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
“The Governor has overstepped his authority by announcing a different candidate, thereby undermining the Oyomesi’s role in the selection process,” the notice read. It also criticized the Governor’s reported reliance on Ifa consultation, claiming it contradicts a 2022 court ruling that deemed such consultations unlawful in the selection process.
The notice further dismissed bribery allegations raised against two Oyomesi members, calling them unsubstantiated and claiming they were not formally reported or investigated.
Gbadegesin’s legal team is seeking a court order to nullify the appointment, approval, and presentation of staff of office to Prince Akeem Owoade. The legal claim insists these actions were unconstitutional and violated both the Chiefs’ Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
In addition, Gbadegesin is requesting the court to officially declare him as the rightful Alaafin, asserting that his selection by the Kingmakers followed all legal and traditional protocols.
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