Oyo Kingmakers Challenge Legitimacy of Governor’s Appointment of New Alaafin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A group of five Kingmakers in Oyo has rejected the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, describing the decision by Governor Seyi Makinde as illegal and unlawful.

In a statement released on Friday, the Kingmakers declared the appointment null and void, asserting that they did not recommend Prince Owoade to the state government. Instead, they reiterated their earlier decision, made during a meeting on September 30, 2022, under the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, to select Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the next Alaafin.

The Kingmakers claimed Prince Gbadegesin was appointed by a majority vote, and his name was submitted to the governor for approval. However, they alleged that the governor refused to approve their decision without providing any justification. In response, the Kingmakers initiated legal action to prevent what they described as an attempt to truncate the traditional selection process, which is now under appeal in the courts.

Concerns Over the Selection Process

The Kingmakers expressed surprise at the governor’s announcement of Prince Owoade as the new Alaafin. They argued that the process was not in line with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which governs the traditional selection process.

“We must emphatically state that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but through strict compliance with native law and custom,” their statement read. They criticized the governor’s decision to convene a meeting with select Kingmakers and warrant chiefs to appoint the new Alaafin, calling it “unlawful, illegal, invalid, null, and void.”

Governor’s Announcement of New Alaafin

Despite the controversy, Governor Makinde officially announced Prince Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin-elect on January 10, 2025, after consultations and divination. The governor emphasized his commitment to preserving the cultural and historical heritage of Oyo.

King Owoade’s Vision for Oyo

Prince Owoade has outlined an ambitious agenda to modernize and empower the Oyo community while preserving its rich Yoruba culture. His plans include:

1. Empowering Widows and Widowers: Introducing schemes to support individuals who have lost their spouses.
2. Modernizing the Palace: Upgrading palace facilities while maintaining cultural traditions.
3. Preserving Yoruba Culture: Promoting activities and initiatives that align with Yoruba customs to prevent cultural extinction.
4. Establishing a Yoruba Museum: Collaborating with the British government to repatriate artefacts taken in the 1800s and showcasing Yoruba heritage.
5. Economic Development: Creating an industrial park to attract both local and foreign investors, fostering commerce and development.
6. Youth Empowerment: Partnering with organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNDP to provide vocational training and reduce unemployment.
7. Recognizing Contributions: Honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to Oyo’s growth and Yoruba interests.
8. Establishing a Cultural Village: Supporting artisans and showcasing their crafts in collaboration with UNESCO.
9. Yoruba Language Promotion: Partnering with the Center for Yoruba Language Engineering and the University of Ibadan to offer Yoruba language immersion programs for international students.

Moving Forward

While Kingmakers remain adamant about their choice of Prince Gbadegesin and have initiated legal proceedings, Prince Owoade’s appointment has already set the stage for a new chapter in Oyo’s history. The court’s decision on the appeal will determine the final resolution of the dispute surrounding the Alaafin stool.