The long-standing royal tussle over the prestigious Alaafin of Oyo throne has taken a legal turn as Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, a contender for the seat, has filed a lawsuit at the Oyo State High Court, seeking to annul the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin.
Gbadegesin’s suit, lodged on February 12, 2025, argues that Owoade’s appointment contravenes the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961. Through his legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kunle Sobaloju, the prince has asked the court to halt Owoade from performing any royal functions pending the resolution of the dispute.
In his statement of claim, Gbadegesin asserts that he had been duly nominated by the Agunloye Ruling House and selected by the Oyomesi (the kingmakers of Oyo). He contends that Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of Owoade’s selection within five days of its presentation was “unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid.”
The suit lists Governor Makinde, the Attorney General of Oyo State, and 11 others as defendants, demanding that they appear before the court within 30 days. Gbadegesin argues that the selection process was flawed, alleging that key kingmakers were sidelined in favor of an orchestrated outcome.
“The selection of the fourth defendant as the Alaafin of Oyo was carried out to the exclusion of rightful kingmakers who were neither suspended nor removed,” the lawsuit states.
Gbadegesin’s suit seeks multiple reliefs, including a declaration that he, having been duly nominated by the Agunloye Ruling House and selected by the Oyomesi, remains the valid and rightful heir to the throne, on order compelling the governor to recognize and approve his appointment instead of Owoade’s, in injunction preventing Owoade from receiving stipends, allowances, or any benefits associated with the Alaafin title, a ruling nullifying Owoade’s appointment and any subsequent recognition, including the presentation of the staff of office.
The lawsuit follows a pre-action notice filed by Gbadegesin’s counsel, warning Governor Makinde that his actions were in violation of the Oyo State Chief’s Law.
Despite the legal battle, the Oyo State Government has forged ahead with arrangements for Owoade’s coronation. A coronation committee was recently constituted, holding its inaugural meeting last week.
The state government’s insistence on proceeding with Owoade’s installation raises concerns over a possible legal impasse, which could further delay the transition of power in the historic Oyo Kingdom.
The Alaafin of Oyo is one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional titles, with historical ties dating back centuries. The throne has been vacant since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022, prompting an intense battle for succession.
Under the Oyo State Chiefs Law, the selection of a new Alaafin follows a structured process involving the ruling houses and the Oyomesi. The process, however, has often been contentious, with previous successions marred by legal and political interventions.
