By: Bayero Ade
The kingmakers of Oyo Town on Friday rejected the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to NAN, In a letter addressed to the governor, signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobalolu, the kingmakers declared the appointment “null and void,” labeling it “illegal and unlawful.”
Earlier on Friday, the Oyo State government had announced Owoade as the Alaafin-elect. However, the kingmakers insisted that they had never recommended Owoade for the position, claiming that their only recommendation was Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, whom they had officially endorsed on September 30, 2022, after receiving a majority vote.
Five kingmakers are opposing the governor’s decision, including the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Layinka; the Lagunna of Oyo, Wakeel Oyedepo; the Akinniku of Oyo, Hamzat Yusuf; Wahab Oyetunji, the warrant chief standing in for the Asipa of Oyo; and Gbadebo Mufutau, the warrant chief standing in for the Alapinní of Oyo.
The letter reiterated that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin had been chosen through the lawful votes of the majority of the kingmakers and his name was submitted to the governor for approval. However, they claimed that the governor had refused to approve their selection without giving a reason.
The kingmakers also expressed surprise at the governor’s claim that Owoade’s selection followed “wide consultation and divination,” emphasizing that the Alaafin should be selected according to the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967. According to the kingmakers, the process mandates that only the Bashorun of Oyo, as head of the Oyomesi and the kingmakers, can summon a meeting to select a new Alaafin. They noted that no such meeting was held to appoint Owoade.
The kingmakers further criticized the meeting held at the governor’s office on January 9, 2025, to select Owoade, calling it “unlawful and illegal.” They asserted that it is not the governor’s role to convene such a meeting and approve the appointment of an Alaafin without following the established traditional process.
Despite their objections, the kingmakers urged the people of Oyo Kingdom to remain calm, as they plan to challenge the governor’s decision in court.
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