The kingmakers of Oyo have strongly opposed Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive to restart the process of selecting the next Alaafin of Oyo, maintaining that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin is the rightful Alaafin-elect.
The Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, and four other kingmakers High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (representing Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (representing Alapinni of Oyo) stated their position in a letter to the governor, signed by their legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN).
The kingmakers argued that Governor Makinde’s directive, issued through the Oyo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, undermines the judiciary, as the matter of the Alaafin’s selection is still before the court.
They described the decision to involve warrant chiefs and proceed with a new selection process as both illegal and disrespectful.
The letter reads, “We have just been reliably informed that you have, through the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and the chairmen of Atiba and Oyo East Local Governments, appointed warrant chiefs to join others in restarting the selection process for the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.
This action disregards the court’s authority, as a motion for injunction is pending before the appellate court.”
The legal counsel also referenced past instances where Governor Makinde allegedly bypassed court rulings, warning that the ongoing move could lead to a constitutional crisis.
“We urge Your Excellency to suspend any fresh selection process during the pendency of the motion for injunction, in the interest of justice and respect for the judiciary,” the letter concluded.
This dispute has deepened the crisis surrounding the selection of a new Alaafin of Oyo, following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022, after a historic 52-year reign.
