Kingmakers in Oyo Town, Oyo State, have expressed strong opposition to the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the process as illegal and not in accordance with established traditions.

The state government announced Owoade’s appointment on Friday through a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. The commissioner claimed that Owoade was recommended by the Oyomesi, the traditional council of kingmakers in Oyo, after consultations and traditional divinations.

Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” Oyelade stated.

Kingmakers’ Rejection

However, five prominent members of the Oyomesi have rejected the appointment, arguing that it contradicts the procedures outlined in the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967. The dissenting kingmakers include:

High Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo.

High Chief Wakeel Akindele, the Lagunna of Oyo.

High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, the Akinniku of Oyo.

Chief Wahab Oyetunji, a warrant chief representing the Asipa of Oyo.

Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, a warrant chief representing the Alapinni of Oyo.

In a letter signed by their legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, the kingmakers declared that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin was lawfully selected as Alaafin-elect in September 2022 through a legitimate voting process.

They noted that the governor had refused to approve Gbadegesin’s appointment for undisclosed reasons, prompting a legal challenge that is still pending in the Court of Appeal.

Legal Challenge

The letter, titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo,” accused the governor of bypassing the traditional chieftaincy process.

“The Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but through strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which mandates that the Bashorun of Oyo convenes a meeting for the selection. This procedure was not followed,” the letter stated. The kingmakers described the governor’s actions as “executive recklessness” and called for an immediate suspension of Owoade’s appointment until the court resolves the matter.