Nine royal princes, collectively known as the Atiba 9, have denounced the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo.
The group described the governor-backed selection process as a deviation from longstanding customs and a disregard for traditional protocols.
The controversy intensified following Governor Seyi Makinde’s formal presentation of the staff of office to Owoade, relying on recommendations allegedly derived from Ifa consultations conducted by US-based Awise Agbaye, Prof. Wande Abimbola.
In a statement issued by Prince Sina Afolabi, a representative of the Adeitan royal family, the Atiba 9 contended that their exclusion from the selection process undermined the cultural integrity of Oyo’s royal institutions.
Afolabi stressed that their collective objection was rooted in maintaining adherence to traditional procedures rather than personal grievances against Owoade or other aspirants.
“We respect the Ifa consultation process, but we believe it should have been conducted here in Oyo at Ojude Ogun,” Afolabi remarked. “The sanctity of the Alaafin stool should not be compromised for expedience.”
The Atiba 9 disclosed ongoing legal efforts to challenge Owoade’s appointment. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring that a legitimate and traditionally sanctioned process is observed for future royal ascensions.
“The current arrangement diminishes the authority of the Alaafin,” the statement warned, adding that a failure to rectify the perceived anomalies could lead to diminished respect for the position among other Yoruba monarchs.
The Oyomesi, the traditional council responsible for overseeing royal selections, was urged to reconcile internal differences and facilitate a transparent and respectful selection process.
This objection follows an earlier rejection by five Oyo kingmakers, who asserted that they had not endorsed Owoade’s candidacy. These dissenting voices underscore the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the appointment of traditional rulers in Yoruba culture.
