Kingmakers in Oyo town, Oyo State, have protested the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Owoade’s appointment was announced on Friday in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, sparking controversy within traditional circles.
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Oyelade said after extensive consultations and traditional divinations by the Oyomesi, the Oyo kingmakers, Owoade was recommended as the new Alaafin of Oyo and subsequently approved by Governor Makinde.
However, five prominent kingmakers in Oyo town rejected Owoade’s appointment.
The protesting kingmakers include the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; a warrant chief representing the Asipa of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and a warrant chief representing the Alapinni of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau.
The kingmakers argued that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin was the rightful Alaafin-elect, citing ongoing legal proceedings concerning the selection process.
In a letter signed by their legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, they described the governor’s actions as illegal and urged the suspension of the process until the matter was resolved in court.
In a statement issued by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi described Owoade’s rise as a divine act, affirming it to be in accordance with God’s will.