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Princes from nine royal families in Oyo, collectively known as the Atiba 9, have rejected the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo.
The Atiba 9 described his appointment as unacceptable, and a blatant disregard for Oyo’s revered traditions.
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Recall that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presented the staff of office to the Alaafin-designate on Monday.
The Atiba 9 criticised the decision, accusing the governor of basing his action on a proclamation of Awise Agbaye, Prof. Wande Abimbola, who claimed that Ifa chose Owoade as the next Alaafin of Oyo.
They argued that Owoade’s appointment was not only contrary to the deeply-rooted customs, culture and traditions of Oyo, but also a violation of the rule of law, which should guide the selection process for the throne.
They stated this in a statement issued by Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family, yesterday, on behalf of the nine royal families.
Afolabi reiterated that the families have legitimate claims to the throne, insisting that due process must be followed to uphold the integrity and sanctity of Oyo’s royal institution.
The other eight princes from the Atiba royal families include Prince Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa); Prince Lamola Olanite (Olanite); Prince Agboin Adelabu (Adelabu); Prince Raji Adeniran (Adeniran); Prince Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun); Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode); Prince Adesiyan (Adesiyan), and Prince Bello Rasheed (Abidekun).
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