The kingmakers in Oyo have described the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as “executive recklessness.”
Five kingmakers from the town declared the appointment null and void, stating that they did not recommend Owoade to the state government. They insisted that the only person they recommended as the next Alaafin is Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.
In a letter addressed to the governor and signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju, the kingmakers expressed their opposition to the approval.
The letter was signed by High Chief Yusuf Akínade, 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 Alapinní of Oyo.
The letter stated that on September 30, 2022, the kingmakers, in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo by a majority of lawful votes.
They forwarded his name to the governor for approval, which was not granted for undisclosed reasons. The kingmakers then filed an action to stop the governor from truncating the process, leading to an appeal at the court of appeal.
The kingmakers emphasized that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but in strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.
They stated that only the Bashorun of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi and kingmakers, can summon a meeting for selecting a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin. They claimed that no such meeting was convened, and the selection of Owoade was not in accordance with the custom.
The kingmakers urged the sons and daughters of Oyo Kingdom to remain calm as they intend to challenge the governor’s decision in court.
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