Oyo Kingmakers Protest Makinde’s Appointment of New Alaafin

The recent appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde has sparked significant controversy, with key traditional leaders in Oyo town rejecting the decision. This development has raised questions about the adherence to established protocols for selecting the Alaafin, a revered monarchial position in Yoruba culture.

Makinde’s Announcement and Oyomesi’s Role

Governor Makinde announced Prince Abimbola Owoade’s appointment on Friday through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. The statement emphasized that the decision was made after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyomesi, the Oyo kingmakers. According to Oyelade, the selection followed due process and received the governor’s approval.

“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,” the statement read. The announcement was seen by some as a move to restore leadership to the Alaafin stool following the passing of the last monarch, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

However, the decision has been met with resistance, as five prominent kingmakers within the Oyomesi claim the selection process did not align with traditional or legal requirements. They argue that Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin, whom they previously selected, remains the rightful candidate.

Kingmakers’ Opposition and Legal Standpoint

The protesting kingmakers, including High Chiefs Yusuf Akinade, Wakeel Akindele, and Hamzat Yusuf, alongside two warrant chiefs, have publicly rejected Owoade’s appointment. In a letter signed by their legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, they described the governor’s action as illegal and insisted on halting the process until an ongoing court case is resolved.

The letter titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo” detailed their grievances. “On September 30, 2022, the kingmakers lawfully voted to appoint Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo and forwarded his name for approval. The governor’s refusal to approve the choice and subsequent unilateral appointment of Prince Owoade contradicts the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967,” it stated.

The kingmakers emphasized that the governor’s claim of using consultations and divinations in selecting the Alaafin deviates from the established legal framework, accusing him of “executive recklessness.” They argued that the Bashorun of Oyo, as head of the Oyomesi, was not involved in the final decision, rendering the process invalid.

Support for Owoade’s Appointment

While dissent grows among the Oyomesi, support has emerged from certain quarters. The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, congratulated Prince Owoade, describing his appointment as a divine act. In a statement released by his press secretary, Oba Akanbi expressed confidence in Owoade’s leadership, affirming that his ascension aligns with divine will.

“This appointment marks a significant step forward for Oyo town, and we are optimistic about the new Alaafin’s ability to uphold the rich traditions of the Yoruba people,” the statement read. Oba Akanbi’s endorsement reflects the broader complexities surrounding the controversy, with both cultural and political implications.

Custom Versus Politics: A Brewing Crisis in Yoruba Traditional Institutions

Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to bypass the established traditional selection process has sparked outrage among cultural stakeholders and members of the Yoruba community. Critics have argued that political interference in traditional institutions undermines the very fabric of the cultural heritage that the Yoruba people hold dear.

Online, social commentators expressed their dissatisfaction with the governor’s action. A user on X (formerly Twitter), under the handle Nobat, lamented, “Governors are destroying institutions that will outlive them. Politics has no place in our cultural traditions.” Another user, Alabi, echoed similar sentiments, warning that such actions erode the sanctity of ancient customs. Comparisons were drawn to similar controversies in Kano, Ife, and Adamawa, where political leaders interfered in royal appointments, leaving cultural institutions weakened.

Calls for Restraint as South-West Leaders Urged to Protect Tradition

The ongoing dispute over the Alaafin’s stool has also led to regional appeals for the Yoruba people to safeguard their traditional institutions from political encroachment. Abdussamad, another social media user, pleaded, “Please, I’m begging the South-West not to let the mistakes of political interference destroy their rich cultural heritage. We’ve seen the damage it caused in Kano and Adamawa.”

The kingmakers remain resolute in their stance, calling on Governor Makinde to respect the traditional process by endorsing Prince Luqman Gbadegesin, the Oyomesi’s preferred candidate. They warn that failure to honor this process may result in further destabilization of the traditional system and loss of respect for the institution of the Alaafin.

As the tension escalates, many are watching to see whether the governor will heed these calls for restraint and allow the traditional process to take its rightful course. The decision on the Alaafin’s stool is not just about leadership; it represents a test of the Yoruba people’s resolve to preserve their cultural legacy amidst increasing political pressures.

Implications and Path Forward over Alaafin Of Oyo stool crisis

The dispute over the Alaafin stool underscores the tension between traditional authority and political influence in Oyo State. The legal proceedings initiated by the kingmakers may further delay the resolution of the matter, leaving the Alaafin stool in limbo. Analysts warn that such disputes risk undermining the sanctity of Yoruba monarchial traditions if not addressed transparently.

Governor Makinde’s administration faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance and ensure adherence to due process. The court’s ruling in the coming weeks will likely determine the legitimacy of Prince Owoade’s appointment and set a precedent for future chieftaincy selections in the state. For now, Oyo town remains divided, with its cherished traditions caught in the crossfire of legal and political debates.