Oyo Kingmakers: Tensions have heightened in Oyo State as five prominent kingmakers and their preferred candidate for the Alaafin stool, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, have given Governor Seyi Makinde a 30-day ultimatum to reverse the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
The warning was issued through two letters dated January 14, 2025, penned by Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, on behalf of the aggrieved parties.
In one letter, the kingmakers cautioned the governor against defaming their character with allegations of bribery during the selection process, insisting such claims were unfounded and damaging. They advised Makinde to approach the courts if he had any credible evidence instead of resorting to public accusations.
Oyo Kingmakers: Prince Gbadegesin’s legal team also condemned the recent appointment of Owoade, arguing that the governor violated multiple legal provisions, including the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
According to them, the declaration places the exclusive power of selecting an Alaafin in the hands of the Oyomesi, a group of kingmakers.
Oyo Kingmakers: Makinde, however, defended his actions, stating during a ceremony to present Owoade with the instruments of office that the previous selection process was plagued by corruption. The governor further vowed to prosecute anyone found guilty of bribery in the matter.
In response, the kingmakers described Makinde’s actions as an overreach of his authority. They asserted that the appointment of Gbadegesin followed due process and accused the governor of disregarding court rulings, particularly a 2022 judgment that declared Ifa consultations inadmissible in the selection of the Alaafin.
Oyo Kingmakers: Among other demands, the kingmakers are seeking an immediate reversal of Owoade’s appointment and an injunction preventing him from assuming any duties as the Alaafin.
They also requested the court to declare Gbadegesin as the rightful heir to the throne, warning that failure to address these grievances within the stipulated time could lead to legal action.
This development has further deepened the crisis surrounding the Alaafin stool, with legal battles and traditional concerns taking center stage in the historic town of Oyo.