By Balogun Tumininu.
The Oyo State Government’s announcement of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo has sparked outrage among five prominent Kingmakers in Oyo town. The Kingmakers, including the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, and the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele, have rejected Owoade’s appointment, citing irregularities in the selection process.
According to the Kingmakers, Prince Lukman Gbadegesi is the rightful Alaafin-elect, having been appointed by a majority of lawful votes on September 30, 2022. They claim that Governor Seyi Makinde refused to approve Gbadegesi’s appointment without disclosing reasons, prompting the Kingmakers to file a lawsuit to prevent the governor from interfering with the selection process.
The Kingmakers argue that Owoade’s appointment was made without following the established legal process, which requires strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967. They also claim that no official meeting of the Oyomesi or Kingmakers was convened to select Owoade, rendering the appointment “executive recklessness” that cannot withstand legal scrutiny.
The controversy has raised questions about the legitimacy of Owoade’s appointment and the role of the state government in the selection process. The dispute is likely to continue, with the Kingmakers vowing to challenge Owoade’s appointment in court.