The ongoing selection of a new Alaafin of Oyo has become a flashpoint of contention between the Oyo State Government and the Oyomesi, the kingmakers of the Oyo Kingdom.
The dispute follows the Oyomesi’s selection of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin as the next Alaafin on September 30, 2023, an appointment that Governor Seyi Makinde has reportedly sought to nullify, proposing a restart of the selection process.
This move has triggered legal battles, public protests, and intense debates over the balance between traditional customs and governmental authority.
The Alaafin’s throne, a symbol of Yoruba cultural heritage, became vacant after the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022, who had ruled for over 51 years.
In accordance with Yoruba traditions, the Oyomesi commenced the selection process, which culminated in the endorsement of Prince Gbadegesin. However, the state government has raised questions about the process, alleging irregularities and calling for a fresh start.
In response to the governor’s intervention, the Oyomesi filed a lawsuit, referenced as HOY/38/2023, at the Oyo State High Court. The kingmakers argue that the governor’s actions undermine their customary authority and breach established chieftaincy protocols.
They maintain that the selection of a new Alaafin is a traditional prerogative of the Oyomesi, with minimal interference from the state government.
Kunle Sobaloju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to the Oyomesi, has warned that restarting the selection process while the case is sub judice would amount to a disregard for judicial authority.
Sobaloju emphasized the constitutional principle of separation of powers, urging the government to await the court’s ruling before taking any further steps.
The controversy has not only played out in courtrooms but has also spilled onto the streets. On October 31, 2023, a group of concerned Oyo indigenes staged a protest, demanding transparency and adherence to due process in the selection of the new Alaafin.
The protesters accused the Oyomesi of corruption and called on the government to ensure that the selection process reflects the will of the people.
These protests highlight the cultural and political sensitivity surrounding the Alaafin’s stool, which holds immense significance in Yoruba history and governance.
The Alaafin is not only a traditional ruler but also a spiritual and cultural leader, making the selection process a matter of deep public interest.
As the legal battle continues, the delay in appointing a new Alaafin has left the Oyo Kingdom in a state of uncertainty. The eventual resolution of this dispute will likely have far-reaching implications for the relationship between traditional institutions and the government in Oyo State.
Legal experts have warned that a ruling in favor of the government could set a precedent for increased state interference in chieftaincy matters, potentially altering the dynamics of traditional governance in Nigeria.
For now, the Oyo State High Court is tasked with balancing the competing interests of preserving traditional authority and ensuring adherence to modern legal principles.
The outcome of the case is eagerly awaited, not only by the people of Oyo but also by observers across the country who see this as a test case for the role of government in traditional leadership selection.
The Alaafin’s stool remains vacant, a poignant reminder of the legacy of Oba Adeyemi III and the enduring significance of the Alaafin institution. Whether Prince Lukman Gbadegesin ascends the throne or a new selection process is initiated, the decision will resonate beyond the Oyo Kingdom, shaping the future of chieftaincy affairs in Nigeria.
