Five prominent Oyo Kingmakers in Oyo town have challenged Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive to restart the selection process for a new Alaafin of Oyo, insisting that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin has already been chosen as the Alaafin-elect.
The opposing Oyo Kingmakers include:
- High Chief Yusuf Akinade (Basorun of Oyo)
- High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo)
- High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo)
- Chief Wahab Oyetunji (warrant chief for Asipa of Oyo)
- Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (warrant chief for Alapinni of Oyo)
In a letter addressed to the Governor, signed by their legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), the kingmakers criticized the governor’s directive as illegal and disrespectful to ongoing judicial proceedings.
Key Points Raised by the Oyo Kingmakers:
- Court Case Pending: The kingmakers argue that initiating a fresh selection process disregards a pending court case concerning the Alaafin selection.
- Governor’s Appointment of Warrant Chiefs: They condemned the appointment of two warrant chiefs to join the selection process, labeling it an attempt to undermine the majority decision of kingmakers supporting Prince Lukman Gbadegesin.
- Violation of Judicial Authority: Sobaloju warned that proceeding with the governor’s directive would be unlawful and subjudice, undermining the integrity of the judiciary.
- Historical Precedent: The counsel cited a prior incident where Governor Makinde allegedly disregarded court proceedings to dissolve democratically elected local government chairmen.
The Kingmakers’ Demands:
- Suspension of the fresh selection process pending the resolution of the court case.
- Respect for the judiciary and constitutional governance.
This dispute adds to the ongoing crisis surrounding the selection of a new monarch after the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022. Oba Adeyemi reigned for 52 years before his death at age 81.
The matter has drawn widespread attention, with stakeholders urging a peaceful resolution to preserve the integrity of Oyo’s traditional institutions.