Oyo kingmakers oppose Governor Makinde’s fresh selection process for Alaafin

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

A new controversy has emerged in Oyo State as five Kingmakers have criticized Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to initiate a fresh selection process for the Alaafin of Oyo, describing the move as illegal and a violation of judicial processes.

The Kingmakers, High Chief Yusuf Akinade (Bashorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (warrant chief stand-in for Alapinni of Oyo), expressed their displeasure in a letter signed by their legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN).

According to the letter addressed to the Governor, the Kingmakers argued that the move was sub judice as there is an ongoing court case concerning the selection of the new Alaafin. They accused the Governor of violating his constitutional obligation to respect the judiciary and maintain due process.

The letter stated, “We have just been reliably informed by our clients that you, through the Oyo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and the Chairmen of Atiba and Oyo East Local Governments, have appointed Chief Odurinde Olusegun Alajagba (Ajagba) and Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye (Alago-Oja of Ago Oja) as warrant Kingmakers.

“These individuals, alongside High Chief Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin of Oyo) and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale (Samu of Oyo), have been directed to commence a fresh process for selecting a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.”

The Kingmakers further noted that the Governor’s actions disregard the majority decision of the traditional council, which had earlier selected Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect.

They highlighted that this disregard mirrors the Governor’s previous actions when he dissolved democratically elected Local Government Chairmen despite a pending court case, an act 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 sub judice and tantamount to lawlessness and disregard for superior courts of record, an act which your Excellency ought to distance yourself from,” the letter warned.

The Kingmakers called on Governor Makinde to suspend plans for a new selection process, urging respect for the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary.

The vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo has remained a contentious issue since the passing of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III in April 2022.