Lamidi Oyewale and Asimiyu Atanda, Oyomesi chiefs, have disclosed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that Lukman Gbadegesin offered each of the five kingmakers ₦15 million during the Alaafin selection process.
This is according to a FIJ report.
S.M. Galadanchi, representing the EFCC, informed a high court in Oyo State that Atanda and Oyewale admitted to accepting bribes from Lukman Gbadegesin, who was vying to become the Alaafin. The kingmakers reportedly decided to support Gbadegesin as the Alaafin candidate after receiving the payments.
Despite their request, the court rejected the Oyomesi chiefs’ plea to halt the EFCC’s investigation into their acceptance of bribes from Lukman Gbadegesin.
Justice Ekerete Akpan dismissed the chiefs’ application on grounds of incompetence. Yusuf Ayoola (Basorun), Lamidi Oyewale (Sanu), Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), and Wakeel Oyedapo had filed a case claiming that the Oyo State Government was using the EFCC to target them unfairly.
In April 2023, there were reports and rumors circulating that Gbadegesin had been crowned as the new Alaafin of Oyo. The Oyo State Government swiftly responded, stating that it had not given its approval for a new Alaafin.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo clarified that he had not endorsed any candidate because the Oyomesi had not followed proper procedures.
Gbadegesin, a former personal assistant to Alhaji Aruna Elewi, a minister of state for communication during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, has indicated his close association with Atiku Abubakar, a former Nigerian vice president and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2023 presidential election.
Gbadegesin had earlier been in the news for his history of bad business and the multi-million debts he created for a business partner.
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