- Royal Tussle: Oyo kingmakers accuse governor of breaching tradition.
- Legal Showdown Looms: SAN demands reversal of Owoade’s appointment.
The crisis surrounding the Alaafin of Oyo’s stool has deepened as five kingmakers and their preferred candidate, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, have issued a 30-day ultimatum to Governor Seyi Makinde to reverse the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as Alaafin or face legal action.
In a letter dated January 14, 2025, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kunle Sobaloju, acting on behalf of Gbadegesin, declared Owoade’s appointment illegal and unprocedural. The letter argued that the governor violated the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and the Chiefs’ Law of Oyo State, 2000, by bypassing the Oyomesi’s selection process.
A second letter from the kingmakers, also penned by Sobaloju, accused Makinde of defamation following allegations of bribery in the selection process. The kingmakers warned that such public comments undermined the sanctity of the judiciary and demanded evidence to back the bribery claims.
Makinde’s announcement of Owoade as Alaafin last Friday sparked controversy, particularly as it came despite a pending lawsuit filed by Gbadegesin. During the presentation of the staff of office to Owoade on Monday, the governor alleged corruption in the Oyomesi’s initial selection process, which he rejected in favor of Ifa consultation.
However, the kingmakers contend that Ifa consultation violates a 2022 court ruling and traditional protocols. They maintain that Prince Gbadegesin was unanimously chosen and called on the governor to respect the established procedures.
Gbadegesin’s counsel demanded an immediate reversal of Owoade’s appointment and warned of further legal action if the ultimatum is ignored. Among other prayers, they requested an injunction to prevent Owoade from parading himself as Alaafin and a declaration affirming Gbadegesin as the legitimate occupant of the stool.
As the tussle intensifies, all eyes are on Governor Makinde’s next move, with the potential for a protracted legal battle hanging over the revered Alaafin throne.
