Alaafin Of Oyo: Makinde Dragged To Court Over Selection

Alaafin Of Oyo: Makinde, 19 Others Dragged To Court Over Selection.
Seeks to nullify Prince Abimbola’s appointment, citing irregularities.
Court hearing set for March 11, 2025, as legal battle intensifies.

The legal battle over the Alaafin of Oyo stool has intensified as one of the aspirants, Prince Ismaila Olamilekan Owoade, has taken Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and 19 others to court, challenging the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin.

Contents

Prince Owoade’s Legal Argument
Key Respondents in the Suit
What Prince Owoade Wants from the Court
Another Contender Joins Legal Battle

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EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Prince Owoade is seeking a court order to nullify the appointment, citing irregularities that allegedly violated the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and the Chiefs Law of Oyo State 2000.

The case, filed before Justice Jimoh Adesina of the Oyo State High Court, is set for hearing on March 11, 2025.

Prince Owoade’s Legal Argument

Represented by his counsel, Bamidele Ogundele, Prince Owoade argues that the selection process was “illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid.” His primary claim is that Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Chief Mukaila Afonja, who plays a key role in screening and presenting candidates to the Kingmakers (Oyo Mesi), was sidelined in the process.

“Baba Iyaji is responsible for presenting the most qualified candidate after proper consultation with stakeholders, but this crucial process was ignored,” his court documents state.

Key Respondents in the Suit

Apart from Governor Makinde, the lawsuit also lists several key figures in Oyo’s traditional leadership, including:

Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State
Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Oyo State
Prince Abimbola Owoade (4th Defendant) – Newly appointed Alaafin
Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin (5th Defendant)
Prince Yusuf Layinka – The Basorun of Oyo
Several high-ranking chiefs, including Agbaakin, Iba Samu, Ona Ilemole, and Alajagba of Oyo
Atiba Local Government, Oyo Town

What Prince Owoade Wants from the Court

Prince Owoade is seeking the following reliefs from the court:

Nullification of Prince Abimbola’s appointment as the Alaafin due to alleged non-compliance with chieftaincy laws.
A restraining order preventing Prince Abimbola and Prince Gbadegesin from parading themselves as the Alaafin.
An interlocutory injunction to halt any coronation or official recognition of Prince Abimbola on April 4, 2025.
A directive for the Kingmakers (Oyo Mesi) to restart the selection process under Baba Iyaji’s leadership, as per the 1961 Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration and Oyo State’s Chiefs Law.

Another Contender Joins Legal Battle

Adding to the complexity of the crisis, Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin, another contender, has filed a separate lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of Prince Abimbola’s selection.

The growing legal dispute has raised concerns within Oyo’s traditional and political circles, as the outcome could reshape the power dynamics within the Oyo traditional institution.