The Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of Oyo, have declared the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde as unlawful and invalid.
Earlier today, the state government announced the governor’s approval of a new Alaafin, two years after the throne became vacant. However, five prominent Oyomesi members, represented by their legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, have publicly opposed the appointment, insisting that Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin is the rightful nominee based on the established selection process.
Oyomesi’s Statement on the Selection Process
In a letter addressed to Governor Makinde, the Oyomesi highlighted that they had lawfully appointed Prince Gbadegesin as the Alaafin in a meeting held on September 30, 2022, in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.
The letter, signed by High Chiefs Yusuf Akínade (Bashorun of Oyo), Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Wahab Oyetunji (acting as Asipa of Oyo), and Gbadebo Mufutau (acting as Alapinni of Oyo), emphasized:
- Majority Support: Prince Gbadegesin received the majority of votes during the Oyomesi meeting, and his name was submitted to the governor for approval.
- Governor’s Non-Compliance: The governor allegedly declined to approve the Oyomesi’s selection without providing reasons, prompting legal action.
Criticism of Government’s Process
The Oyomesi criticized the state government’s claim that the selection was based on “consultation and divination.” They argued that such an approach contradicts the 1967 Chieftaincy Declaration, which codifies the native law and custom governing the selection process.
Key concerns raised include:
- Unlawful Meeting: The Bashorun, head of the Oyomesi, did not summon or convene a meeting to select Prince Owoade, as required by tradition.
- Interference by Government: The Oyomesi alleged that the government convened an improper meeting involving a few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs at the Governor’s Office on January 9, 2025.
- Violation of Custom: The announcement of Prince Owoade’s appointment and its subsequent approval on January 10, 2025, was described as contrary to Oyo’s native laws, making it “illegal, invalid, null, and void.”
Oyomesi’s Demands
The Oyomesi have called for adherence to traditional protocols and demanded that the state government recognize Prince Gbadegesin as the lawful Alaafin. They reaffirmed that only the Bashorun has the authority to summon a meeting for the selection of an Alaafin, and such meetings must be held at the Alaafin’s palace to comply with Oyo’s traditions.
This development has sparked widespread attention as the dispute over the revered throne of the Alaafin of Oyo deepens.
