In a sharp rebuke to Governor Seyi Makinde’s announcement of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, the town’s traditional kingmakers have dismissed the selection as unlawful and in direct violation of established protocols.
The kingmakers, led by High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo, emphasized that the appointment disregarded judicial processes and traditional customs outlined in the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.
Kingmakers’ Position on the Appointment
In a letter signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, five key members of the Oyomesi, High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo) rejected the Governor’s actions as null and void.
“You will recall that on September 30, 2022, in compliance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, the kingmakers lawfully selected Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin by majority vote as the new Alaafin,” the letter stated. “His name was duly forwarded to your Excellency for approval, which was inexplicably withheld.”
The kingmakers stressed that their decision had already been subject to legal proceedings to prevent any tampering with the traditional selection process. The ongoing case is now before the Court of Appeal.
Breach of Tradition and Legal Procedure
The kingmakers expressed astonishment at the state government’s claim that Prince Owoade’s selection followed “wide consultation and divination.”
They emphasized that the Alaafin’s appointment must adhere strictly to established customs, under which only the Bashorun has the authority to convene a kingmakers’ meeting for selecting a new ruler.
“No meeting was convened by the Bashorun, nor was any selection conducted in the Alaafin’s palace, as required by custom,” they asserted. “Any gathering held at the Governor’s office or elsewhere on January 9, 2025, at the instance of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is invalid.”
The kingmakers criticized the Governor’s role in facilitating the process, labeling it as unconstitutional and a breach of traditional norms. They underscored that the appointment was hurriedly approved without adherence to due process.
Call for Judicial and Traditional Compliance
In their appeal, the kingmakers urged the Governor to recognize the judicial implications of his decision and adhere to traditional protocols.
They reaffirmed Prince Gbadegesin’s appointment as the rightful Alaafin and called for the immediate cessation of any efforts to impose Prince Owoade as ruler.
“The sanctity of Oyo’s cultural heritage and traditional institutions must be respected. The judiciary must be allowed to rule on the matter without undue interference,” the letter concluded.
Governor’s Office Silent Amid Rising Tension
As of press time, Governor Makinde’s office had not issued a statement addressing the kingmakers’ objections. Observers fear the controversy could escalate into a significant legal and cultural crisis in Oyo if not swiftly resolved.
The Alaafin stool, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious traditional titles, has remained vacant since the passing of Alaafin Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III in April 2022. The outcome of this succession dispute will undoubtedly shape the future of Oyo’s rich cultural legacy.
