Race to select new Alaafin begins

Following the advice of Governor Seyi Makinde to the Oyo Messi, the Kingmakers, to expedite action on the succession arrangement of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed on Friday, the race to succeed the late monarch began yesterday.

Prince Mukaila Afonja, the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, who is also the head of princes in the town, disclosed to newsmen he was sure that the succession moves would have started discreetly among the interested parties.

He said the interested princes from the next ruling house would submit their applications, just as he disclosed that nobody has brought any letter to him yet.

Iyaji added that he believed applicants interested in succeeding the late monarch would start bringing their letters after the eight days fidau prayers.

He said, ” The moves to succeed Oba Adeyemi would have begun as we are talking now but nobody has submitted an application to me.

” I am the head of the Omooba (princes) and as we are talking there would have been moves but nobody has submitted any application to me.

” The process is this, all the princes from the next ruling house, who are interested in becoming the Alaafin will submit their applications to me.

“After screening them, I will now invite the Oyo Mesi and for example, if the applicants remain about like two or a wieldy number, Ifa Oracle would be consulted to know who among them should be chosen.”

He said individual wealth or status alone would not be used as a criteria to choose the next Alaafin because there would be negative consequences if the right person was not chosen.

He assured the people of the town that they would be guided by fear of God and their love for Oyo town in selecting the best to ascend the throne.

MEANWHILE, the longest-serving staff at the palace of the late Alaafin, Mr Morenikeji Lasisi popularly called ‘Baba Keji’ said Oba Adeyemi, was the best among the three last monarchs.
Lasisi, who was said to have served in the palace for almost 77 years said Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi brought unprecedented development to the palace beyond his expectations.

Speaking further, Mr Lasisi said he was very close to the Alaafin despite the fact that he was a servant to him in the palace.

He said; “I cut grass in the palace. The late king usually sends me on errands. Every day, I usually go to the abattoir to get meat for my late boss in the morning. I have served three kings now. I got to the palace during the time of Oba Adeyemi Adeniran, the father of the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi.

“I also served Bello Gbadegesin Oladigbolu and Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi who died on Friday. I am always happy whenever I am with the Alaafin. He is always having money and resources to cater for the people. There is always enjoyment in the palace during his reign.

“We were always enjoying ourself. I will miss all the merriment. As I am here now, if anyone tries to take me abroad, after telling my people, I will go. But I will surely return to my base here in Oyo.”