Kingmakers Protest Governor Makinde’s Appointment of New Alaafin of Oyo
Oyo Town, Oyo State – The appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde has sparked protests among key traditional authorities in the ancient town. The decision, announced on Friday by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, has been described as controversial by a faction of the kingmakers, the Oyomesi.
Oyedele stated that Owoade’s selection followed “extensive consultations and traditional divinations” conducted by the Oyomesi and received the governor’s approval. “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” the commissioner said.
Protests by Kingmakers
However, five prominent members of the Oyomesi have rejected the appointment, claiming it violates established legal procedures. The protesting kingmakers include the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; and two warrant chiefs representing the Asipa and Alapinni families, Chiefs Wahab Oyetunji and Gbadebo Mufutau, respectively.
In a letter addressed to Governor Makinde and signed by their legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, the kingmakers argued that Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin is the rightful Alaafin-elect. They cited an ongoing legal challenge at the Court of Appeal concerning the selection process and called for a suspension of Owoade’s appointment.
The letter, titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo,” accused the governor of executive overreach. It read in part, “On September 30, 2022, at a meeting of the Kingmakers held in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, the Kingmakers appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo by a majority of lawful votes. His name was forwarded to Your Excellency for approval, but you refused to approve it for undisclosed reasons.”
The kingmakers insisted that the 1967 Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration explicitly governs the selection process and that Prince Owoade’s appointment via consultations and divinations is unlawful. “This decision amounts to executive recklessness and cannot withstand legal scrutiny,” the letter added.
Reactions to the Appointment
Despite the protests, some traditional leaders have expressed their support for Prince Owoade. The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, congratulated Owoade on his ascension. In a statement released by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi described the appointment as divine, stating, “It is an act of God and a manifestation of His will.”
Background and Implications
The Alaafin of Oyo throne has remained vacant since the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022. The selection process for the new Alaafin has since been marred by controversies, with multiple factions within Oyo’s traditional council voicing competing claims.
Legal experts suggest that the ongoing court case may further delay the resolution of the matter, potentially setting a precedent for future appointments of traditional rulers in Oyo State.
As tensions continue to mount, stakeholders are calling for restraint and adherence to established laws to preserve the sanctity of the Alaafin throne.