A group of Kingmakers in Oyo has declared Governor Seyi Makinde’s appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo illegal and unlawful. The announcement comes following the governor’s approval of the appointment, nearly two years after the Alaafin’s stool became vacant.
In a formal statement, five Kingmakers from Oyo asserted that they did not recommend Prince Abimbola Owoade for the role. Instead, they claim their sole nominee for the position remains Prince Luqman Gbadegesin, whose name they forwarded to the state government in September 2022.
The Kingmakers, represented by Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, included High Chief Yusuf Akínade (Bashorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (acting Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (acting Alapinni of Oyo). In their letter to Governor Makinde, they argued that Prince Gbadegesin was lawfully appointed through a majority vote in line with the 1961 Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration.
“Prince Luqman Adelodun Gbadegesin was duly appointed by the majority of the Kingmakers, and his name was submitted for your approval, which was inexplicably denied,” the letter stated. They also referenced an ongoing legal dispute to prevent the state government from interfering with the selection process.
The Kingmakers criticized the government’s announcement, which cited “consultation and divination” as part of the selection process, arguing that it violated the 1967 Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration. “The Alaafin is chosen strictly according to the codified native law and customs, not by consultation or divination,” they emphasized.
They further alleged that no official meeting of the Oyomesi or Kingmakers was convened to select Prince Owoade. “The Bashorun of Oyo, who heads the Oyomesi and Kingmakers, did not summon any meeting as required by custom. No such meeting occurred at the Alaafin’s palace, where the selection traditionally takes place.”
The Kingmakers denounced any meetings held at the Governor’s office or under the supervision of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, labeling them as contrary to established laws and customs. “The selection of a preferred candidate by the Governor is not only unlawful but null and void,” they concluded.