The kingmakers of Oyo Town have rejected Governor Seyi Makinde’s appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, labeling the move “illegal and unlawful.”
In a letter signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobalolu, and addressed to the governor, the kingmakers declared the appointment null and void. They insisted that they never recommended Prince Owoade for the position.
The Oyo State Government had earlier announced Owoade as the Alaafin-elect. However, the kingmakers emphasized that their unanimous choice, made on September 30, 2022, was Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin. This decision, they claim, was based on lawful votes cast by the majority of the kingmakers.
Five key kingmakers are leading the opposition against the governor’s decision. They include:
- High Chief Yusuf Layinka (Bashorun of Oyo)
- High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo (Lagunna of Oyo)
- High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo)
- Chief Wahab Oyetunji (Warrant Chief for Asipa of Oyo)
- Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (Warrant Chief for Alapinní of Oyo).
In their statement, the kingmakers noted that the proper procedure, outlined in the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, was not followed. They stated that the Alaafin’s selection must be conducted by the Bashorun of Oyo and the Oyomesi council in the palace, not through consultations or divinations.
“The governor does not have the authority to convene or oversee such meetings,” they said, describing the January 9 meeting at the Governor’s Office as unlawful.
The kingmakers called on the people of Oyo to remain calm, assuring them that they would challenge the governor’s actions in court.
