Kingmakers in Oyo Town, Oyo State, have vehemently opposed the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, calling the process illegal and contrary to established traditions.
Governor Seyi Makinde announced Owoade’s appointment on Friday, claiming it followed consultations and traditional divinations by the Oyomesi, the traditional council of kingmakers. According to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, Owoade was recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the governor.
However, five prominent members of the Oyomesi have rejected the appointment, arguing that it violates the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967. The kingmakers include:
- High Chief Yusuf Akinade (Basorun of Oyo)
- High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo)
- High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo)
- Chief Wahab Oyetunji (representing the Asipa of Oyo)
- Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (representing the Alapinni of Oyo)
In a letter signed by their legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, the kingmakers stated that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin had been lawfully selected as Alaafin-elect in September 2022 through a legitimate voting process. They criticized Governor Makinde for withholding approval of Gbadegesin’s appointment without explanation, prompting a legal challenge that is currently pending in the Court of Appeal.
The kingmakers’ letter, titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo,” accused the governor of bypassing traditional processes. They highlighted that, according to the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, the Basorun of Oyo must convene a meeting for the selection, a procedure that was not followed in this case.
Describing the governor’s actions as “executive recklessness,” the kingmakers have called for the suspension of Owoade’s appointment until the court resolves the matter.