National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olumide Olusegun |
The traditional rulers in Oyo town have rejected the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, despite the approval of the appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The governor’s approval, confirmed in a statement from the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on Friday, follows extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyomesi, the kingmakers of Oyo.
The statement read: “After thorough consultations and divinations, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
According to the state, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, expressed confidence that the appointment would bring an end to the legal and social disputes that followed the death of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022.
“This decision has resolved the socio-legal controversies that have arisen since the passing of Oba Adeyemi. We urge the people of Oyo State to support the new Alaafin and join the government in celebrating this historic moment,” Ojo stated.
However, the kingmakers in Oyo town, including the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; the warrant chief for Asipa of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and the warrant chief for Alapinni of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, have rejected the governor’s decision.
They contend that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is the rightful Alaafin-elect, pointing to ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the selection process.
In a letter addressed to the Governor, the kingmakers’ legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju (SAN), described the governor’s action as illegal, urging the suspension of the process until the court resolves the matter.
The letter, titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo,” asserts: “On the instruction of our clients—High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka (Bashorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele Oyedepo (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (warrant chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (warrant chief standing in for Alapinni of Oyo)—we write to express our objection to the unlawful appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
The letter further explained that the kingmakers had, on September 30, 2022, appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the new Alaafin by a majority vote in line with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
However, the governor refused to approve the selection without giving reasons, prompting the kingmakers to file a lawsuit to prevent any interference with the process. The case is currently before the Court of Appeal.
The kingmakers argue that the selection of the Alaafin should not be based on consultations or divinations but must follow the legal process outlined in the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which requires the Bashorun of Oyo to convene a meeting for the selection.
No such meeting, according to the kingmakers, was held, rendering the appointment invalid.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has congratulated Prince Owoade on his appointment as the new Alaafin.
In a statement issued by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi described Owoade’s ascension as a divine act, affirming that it aligns with God’s will.
