Oyo kingmakers warn against restarting Alaafin selection process

Five prominent Oyo kingmakers have strongly criticised Governor Seyi Makinde’s alleged decision to initiate a fresh process for selecting a new Alaafin of Oyo, describing it, according to reports, as illegal and a disregard for the judiciary. The revered stool has remained vacant since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022, at the age of 82 after a remarkable 52-year reign.

The kingmakers, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the governor’s alleged actions, include High Chief Yusuf Akínade, the Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, the Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, the Akinniku of Oyo; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, serving as warrant chief for the Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief for the Alapinní of Oyo.

READ MORE: Alaafin of Oyo passes away at 83, after over 50 years on the throne

The group’s concerns were articulated in a letter addressed to Governor Makinde and signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN. According to the letter, the governor, through the Oyo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and the chairmen of Atiba and Oyo East Local Government Areas, appointed new warrant chiefs to join two existing kingmakers in restarting the selection process.

This decision, the kingmakers allege, undermines an ongoing legal case concerning the succession process. They argue that it disregards a previous selection, where Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin was chosen as Alaafin-elect by a majority of kingmakers.

READ MORE: Oyo Mesi faction objects to fresh selection process for Alaafin

The letter emphasised that the governor’s alleged actions contravene his constitutional duty to respect the courts and abide by the rule of law. It drew parallels to a previous incident where Governor Makinde dissolved democratically elected local government chairmen despite pending legal challenges—a move later condemned by the Supreme Court as “executive lawlessness.”

“Proceeding to commence a fresh process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo would be subjudice and tantamount to lawlessness and disregard for the superior courts of record—an act which Your Excellency ought to distance yourself from,” the letter stated.

READ MORE: Peter Obi raises alarm over frequent kidnappings

The kingmakers urged the governor to halt plans for a new selection process, pending the resolution of a motion for an injunction currently before the courts. They warned that any further disregard for legal proceedings would not only undermine judicial authority but also cast a shadow over the sanctity of the state’s traditional institutions.

The vacant Alaafin stool remains a contentious issue, with many stakeholders awaiting a resolution that upholds the rule of law and respects the kingdom’s customs.