The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde has been met with significant opposition from key stakeholders in Oyo.
Kingmakers’ Objection:
Five prominent kingmakers from Oyo Town have declared the appointment illegal and invalid, asserting that due process was not followed. They claim that on September 30, 2022, they selected Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin by majority vote and forwarded his name to the governor for approval, which was not granted. The kingmakers opposing the appointment include:
High Chief Yusuf Akinade, Bashorun of Oyo
High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo
High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo
Chief Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo
Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinni of Oyo
They argue that the selection process should adhere strictly to the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which mandates that the Bashorun of Oyo convene the meeting for selecting a new Alaafin—a procedure they insist was not followed in Owoade’s appointment.
Atiba 9’s Rejection:
In addition to the kingmakers, nine princes from the Atiba ruling house, collectively known as the Atiba 9, have also rejected Owoade’s appointment. They allege that Governor Makinde’s decision disregards Oyo’s revered traditions and was based solely on a proclamation by Professor Wande Abimbola, who claimed that Ifa divination chose Owoade as the next Alaafin. The Atiba 9 emphasize that the selection process should be grounded in established customs and the rule of law.
Government’s Position:
Governor Makinde’s administration announced the approval of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin on January 10, 2025, stating that the selection followed wide consultations and divination. The governor presented the staff of office to Owoade on January 13, 2025.
Current Status:
The opposition from both the kingmakers and the Atiba 9 has created a contentious atmosphere surrounding the appointment. The kingmakers have indicated their intention to challenge the governor’s decision in court, urging the people of Oyo to remain calm as they seek legal redress.
This situation underscores the complexities involved in traditional leadership succession, where adherence to established customs and legal frameworks is paramount to maintaining cultural integrity and community harmony.
