Rita Odafe
Controversy Over Appointment of New Alaafin of Oyo
Five influential kingmakers from Oyo town have voiced their rejection of Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade’s appointment as the Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The governor’s announcement, made through the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, sparked debate among traditional leaders.
According to the government, following extensive discussions and traditional divinations from the Oyomesi, Owoade was chosen and subsequently approved by the governor.
“After thorough consultations and divinations, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade has been recommended and approved as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” stated the commissioner.
However, several kingmakers have claimed that this appointment contradicts their initial recommendation.
Those opposing Owoade’s appointment include notable figures such as the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; Chief Wahab Oyetunji as a warrant chief; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau as another warrant chief.
The dissenting kingmakers pointed out that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is the rightful choice for Alaafin, referencing ongoing legal disputes over the selection process.
In a letter from their attorney, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, they labeled the governor’s actions as unlawful and requested that the process be put on hold until the court resolves the matter.
The letter, titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo,” was shared with PUNCH, detailing their objections.
It indicated, “We are writing on behalf of our clients to address the illegal appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin.”
“Recall that on September 30, 2022, during a meeting per the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, the Kingmakers selected Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin by majority vote. His name was submitted to you for approval, which was not granted for unclear reasons. The Kingmakers subsequently filed an action to prevent you from interfering in the process, which is currently pending in the Court of Appeal.
“Your recent announcement of Prince Owoade’s appointment, claiming it followed consultations, contradicts the legal procedures in place. The selection of the Alaafin should comply with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, not mere consultations. According to tradition, the Bashorun of Oyo must call a meeting for this decision, which did not occur. This decision exemplifies executive overreach and lacks legal justification.”
