Oyo kingmakers write Governor Makinde to reject Prince Owoade’s appointment as new Alaafin
The appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo has sparked controversy and opposition from prominent kingmakers in Oyo town.
The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, announced Owoade’s appointment following what was described as extensive consultations and traditional divinations by the Oyomesi, the kingmakers responsible for selecting the Alaafin.
However, this announcement has been met with strong resistance from five key kingmakers who assert that the process was not conducted according to established legal and traditional protocols.
The Alaafin of Oyo stool became vacant after the passing of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi in April 2022. Following this vacancy, a selection process was initiated.
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On September 30, 2022, a meeting among the kingmakers resulted in the appointment of Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect. This decision was based on a majority vote among the kingmakers present at that meeting.
The name of Prince Gbadegesin was subsequently forwarded to Governor Makinde for approval; however, he did not approve it for undisclosed reasons.
Rejection by kingmakers
In their recent correspondence addressed to Governor Makinde, the five prominent kingmakers—High Chief Yusuf Akínade (Basorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (warrant chief representing Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (warrant chief representing Alapinni of Oyo)—expressed their rejection of Prince Owoade’s appointment. They characterized it as “illegal and unlawful,” asserting that it contravenes both traditional customs and legal frameworks governing such appointments.
The letter from these kingmakers emphasized that any selection or appointment should strictly adhere to the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.
They argued that under this declaration, only the Basorun can summon a meeting for selecting a candidate for the vacant stool. They contended that no such meeting was convened prior to Governor Makinde’s announcement regarding Prince Owoade.
The kingmakers also highlighted ongoing legal proceedings related to their previous selection process. They have filed an action in court aimed at preventing what they describe as an unlawful truncation of their established selection process. Their legal counsel has urged that any further actions regarding the appointment be suspended until these matters are resolved in court.
