Oyo Govt Defends Alaafin’s Appointment Following Kingmakers Opposition

The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has upheld its decision to appoint Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, despite strong opposition from key members of the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of the ancient Oyo kingdom.

Governor Makinde had announced the appointment of Owoade on Friday, following the death of the former Alaafin in 2022.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the decision has sparked significant controversy, with five prominent members of the Oyomesi rejecting the selection and labeling it a violation of established customs and traditions.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, emphasized the government’s stance during an interview on Saturday. “We are going to make further comments when it is necessary.

For now, the statement the government has put out will suffice,” Oyelade said, reiterating that the decision is final and due process was followed.

The Oyomesi, led by the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, have dismissed Owoade’s appointment, citing non-compliance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967. They maintain that their chosen candidate, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, is the rightful Alaafin-elect.

In a statement released on Saturday, the kingmakers argued that the selection process requires a majority vote among the Oyomesi and adherence to established traditional protocols.

They accused the governor of bypassing these procedures, claiming that he convened a meeting with selected kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs on January 9, leading to what they described as “executive recklessness.”

The kingmakers further asserted that only the Bashorun, as the head of the Oyomesi, has the authority to summon a meeting to select a candidate for the Alaafin’s stool. “Under the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, it is only the Bashorun of Oyo who can summon a meeting of the kingmakers for this purpose.

In this instance, the Bashorun did not summon any such meeting,” the statement read.

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