The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde has been dismissed as unlawful by a group of kingmakers.
In a statement issued on Friday, five kingmakers declared the decision void, asserting that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin remains the rightful candidate they had earlier selected through the traditional process.
Endorsement of Prince Gbadegesin
The kingmakers recalled that on September 30, 2022, they convened a meeting in line with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, where a majority vote favoured Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin for the throne.
According to the statement, Gbadegesin’s name was subsequently submitted to the governor for approval, but no action was taken, leaving the matter unresolved.
The kingmakers also disclosed that legal action was taken to prevent any disruption to the selection process.
“This led to the current appeal at the Court of Appeal,” they stated.
Concerns over government’s role
According to Naija News, the kingmakers expressed dismay at the state government’s claims that Prince Owoade was chosen after consultations and divination.
They argued that such methods are inconsistent with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which clearly outlines the traditional criteria for appointing the Alaafin.
They further criticized an alleged meeting, reportedly organized by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to select a candidate aligned with the governor’s preference.
The kingmakers deemed this meeting invalid and in violation of established customs.
“It is not within the governor’s jurisdiction to convene a meeting for the selection or appointment of the Alaafin,” they noted, emphasizing that the process must adhere to native laws and customs.
Call for respecting tradition
The kingmakers reaffirmed their commitment to the procedures laid out in the 1967 Chieftaincy Declaration, accusing the state government of undermining the sanctity of the Alaafin institution.
“This hurried appointment disregards the established procedures and undermines the sacred institution of the Alaafin,” they concluded.