Oyo Govt Stands Firm: Owoade Confirmed As Alaafin-Elect Amid Kingmakers’ Resistance

The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed its decision to appoint Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, despite strong opposition from the traditional kingmakers of the historic Oyo Kingdom.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Makinde announced Owoade’s appointment on Friday, marking the resolution to fill the royal stool left vacant since the death of the previous monarch in 2022.

Speaking on the development, Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, emphasized on Saturday that the government’s decision is final. “We will make further comments when necessary. For now, the government’s statement on this matter suffices,” Oyelade said in an interview with Premium Times.

The state government maintains that due process was followed in Owoade’s selection. However, the kingmakers, led by the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, argue otherwise, citing violations of tradition and the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.

Kingmakers Reject Appointment

In a statement released on Saturday, the Oyomesi dismissed Owoade’s appointment, declaring Prince Lukman Gbadegesin as their rightful choice for Alaafin-elect.

“We must emphasize that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but strictly in compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which codifies the native law and custom governing the selection process,” the kingmakers stated.

The kingmakers accused the governor of bypassing traditional protocols, alleging that a meeting involving selected kingmakers and warrant chiefs was convened on January 9, culminating in what they described as an “unprecedented act of executive recklessness.”

According to the kingmakers, the Bashorun of Oyo, as head of the Oyomesi, is the only authority empowered to summon a meeting for selecting the new Alaafin. They claimed no such meeting was called and noted that the Alaafin’s palace, the customary venue for such proceedings, was not used during Owoade’s selection process.

This clash between the state government and the Oyomesi underscores tensions over adherence to traditional customs in appointing the next Alaafin of Oyo.