New Alaafin: Controversy, Court Threat over appointment of Prince Owoade

Before and after the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, protest from some Oyo kingmakers to agitate and challenge the process started.

It should be recalled that the appointment was announced on Friday by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade after the approval of the state governor, Seyi Makinde.

According to Oyelade, the choice was made after consultations and divinations conducted by the Oyomesi, the traditional council responsible for recommending candidates for the throne.

However, five senior members of the Oyomesi, led by the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, have rejected the appointment, while others in opposition include High Chiefs Wakeel Akindele, Hamzat Yusuf, and two warrant chiefs representing traditional offices in the council.

In a letter issued through their legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, the kingmakers accused the governor of bypassing due process, maintaining that Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin was the rightful candidate, having been selected through majority votes at a meeting held in September 2022.

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“You will recall that on September 30, 2022, the Kingmakers appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo. His name was forwarded to Your Excellency for approval, but this was withheld for undisclosed reasons,” the letter stated.

______The kingmakers argued that the selection process is governed by the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which stipulates that the Bashorun of Oyo must summon a formal meeting for the selection.

They claim no such meeting took place before Owoade’s appointment.

___The letter, titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo,” urged the governor to suspend the process pending the resolution of a court case filed to challenge the appointment.

The controversy underscores lingering disputes over the Alaafin throne since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in 2022.

The matter remains contentious, with legal and traditional implications for the Yoruba cultural heritage.

At the time of filing this report, many residents of Oyo Alaafin were rejoicing over the appointment of new Alaafin while others are preparing for legal battle to challenge the appointment.