Kingmakers Protest Appointment of New Alaafin in Oyo, Seek Legal Redress

Tensions have escalated in Oyo Town, Oyo State, following the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The decision, announced on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, has stirred significant controversy among traditional leaders and kingmakers in the ancient kingdom.

Oyomesi, the council of Oyo kingmakers, reportedly recommended Owoade after what the state government described as “extensive consultations and traditional divinations.” Governor Makinde subsequently approved the selection, with Oyelade stating, “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo.”

However, the decision has faced stiff opposition from five influential kingmakers who claim the selection process violated established customs. Among the dissenting voices are the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; and two warrant chiefs, Wahab Oyetunji and Gbadebo Mufutau, representing the Asipa and Alapinni chieftaincies, respectively.

READ ALSO: Makinde approves Owoade’s appointment as new Alaafin of Oyo

In a strongly worded letter signed by their legal representative, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, the protesting kingmakers accused the governor of disregarding the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which outlines the process for selecting a new monarch.

The letter, titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo,” emphasized that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin had previously been elected as Alaafin by a majority vote during a kingmakers’ meeting in September 2022. His name was forwarded to the governor for approval but was reportedly ignored.

“You will recall that on September 30, 2022, the Kingmakers appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo by a majority of lawful votes,” the letter stated. “The recent appointment of Prince Owoade, purportedly based on consultations and divinations, contradicts the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967. No meeting convened by the Bashorun of Oyo occurred to validate this process, making the decision unlawful and subject to legal scrutiny.”

The kingmakers urged the suspension of Owoade’s installation until the matter is resolved in court, where an appeal regarding the chieftaincy dispute is already pending.

Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has welcomed the appointment, describing it as divinely ordained. In a statement released by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi congratulated Prince Owoade, stating, “His ascension is a manifestation of divine will, aligning with the dictates of tradition and destiny.”

As the controversy deepens, the people of Oyo eagerly await clarity on the legal and traditional implications of the unfolding drama surrounding their revered throne.