The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde has sparked protests from key traditional figures in Oyo town, Oyo State.
Governor Makinde’s announcement of Owoade’s appointment on Friday, made public by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, has ignited significant controversy among the town’s kingmakers.
According to Oyelade, after comprehensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyomesi (the Oyo kingmakers), Owoade was recommended as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
Governor Makinde then approved the recommendation. “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,” Oyelade stated in the release.
Despite this, five prominent kingmakers from Oyo town have vehemently rejected Owoade’s appointment. The protesting kingmakers include High Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, the Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, the Akinniku of Oyo; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, a warrant chief representing the Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, a warrant chief representing the Alapinni of Oyo.
These kingmakers argue that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is the rightful candidate to become the new Alaafin, citing ongoing legal proceedings regarding the selection process. The legal team representing the kingmakers, led by Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, condemned the governor’s actions as illegal and called for the suspension of the appointment process until the court resolves the matter.
The protesting kingmakers formally outlined their opposition in a letter addressed to the governor, which was titled, “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo.” In the letter, the kingmakers stated, “On their resolute instruction, we write this letter concerning the purported unlawful and illegal appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
They further referred to a meeting held on September 30, 2022, during which the kingmakers, in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, selected Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the new Alaafin of Oyo. This decision was made by a majority of lawful votes, and his name was forwarded to Governor Makinde for approval. However, the governor reportedly withheld approval without providing any reasons for the delay. In response, the kingmakers took legal action to prevent the governor from interfering with the selection process, which is currently under review in the Court of Appeal.
The kingmakers’ letter criticized Governor Makinde’s announcement of Owoade’s appointment, arguing that it violated the established legal process. They emphasized that the Alaafin is not selected through consultation or divination, but must follow the strict guidelines set by the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967. According to the kingmakers, the head of the Oyomesi, the Bashorun of Oyo, is responsible for calling a meeting to conduct the selection, but no such meeting was held. “This decision amounts to executive recklessness and cannot withstand legal scrutiny,” the letter concluded.
In contrast to the kingmakers’ objections, the Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has publicly 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 aligned with God’s will and was part of a larger spiritual plan.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo, with legal and traditional authorities at odds over the legitimacy of the process and the rightful heir to the throne.
