Oyo Kingmakers Reject Appointment of Alaafin-designate by Governor Makinde

The kingmakers of Oyo Town have rejected the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde. In a letter signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobalolu, and addressed to the governor, they declared the appointment null, void, illegal, and unlawful.

The Oyo State Government had earlier announced Prince Owoade as the Alaafin-elect, claiming the decision followed wide consultation and divination. However, the kingmakers asserted they never recommended Owoade for the position. Instead, they affirmed that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin was lawfully selected as the next Alaafin on September 30, 2022, by the majority of their votes, and his name was forwarded to the governor for approval. They criticized the governor’s refusal to approve Gbadegesin’s nomination without explanation.

Five kingmakers have openly opposed Owoade’s appointment, including the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Layinka; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, representing the Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, representing the Alapinní of Oyo.

The kingmakers emphasized that the selection of the Alaafin must adhere to the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which governs the process. According to them, the selection process can only be convened by the Bashorun of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi and kingmakers, and must take place in the Alaafin’s palace. They refuted claims that any such meeting occurred, stating that Owoade’s appointment was instead made unlawfully at the Governor’s Office.

The group also dismissed the idea that divination or consultation played a role in the decision, stating that such methods are not recognized under the codified laws governing the selection process. They described the January 9 meeting convened by the governor, which led to Owoade’s appointment, as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge the matter in court.

Urging calm among the sons and daughters of Oyo Kingdom, the kingmakers reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing legal redress to uphold the traditions and customs of the throne.