BAYO AGBOOLA Ibadan reviews the controversy surrounding the ongoing selection of a new Alaafin of Oyo after the demise Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi
In and beyond the ancient town of Oyo, there is palpable anxiety on who becomes the next Alaafin of Oyo after the immediate past Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi who joined his ancestors on Friday, April 22, 2022 at the age of 83.
Oba Adeyemi ruled for more than 51 years as the Alaafin of Oyo and it is no longer news that the process of selecting a new Alaafin of Oyo is ongoing.
Insistence on due process
Unfolding developments within the Oyo state government indicate that Governor Seyi Makinde insists on following due process in the selection exercise before approving any candidate as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
However, the entire royal families in Alaafin Atiba Ruling House in Oyo town are saying it clearly that Governor Seyi Makinde should refrain from taking any further action regarding the selection of a new Alaafin until the court case that has been filed against the chieftaincy declaration of the Alaafin is resolved.
Selecting a new Alaafin
Few weeks ago, the Iba Samu of Oyo and one of the kingmakers in Oyo town (the Oyomesi), Chief Lamidi Oyewale, disclosed that the new Alaafin of Oyo would emerge before May 29, this year and that the delay in the ongoing process to choose the new Alaafin was to ensure a rancour-free selection process and coronation of a new monarch for the ancient town.
Chief Oyewale who was speaking in Oyo town at the one-year remembrance prayer for the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi said, “it’s just a year since the late Alaafin died. Before the swearing-in of the governor, the new Oyo monarch will emerge, I don’t want to comment much on the process of the emergence of new Alaafin”.
Days after, a story emerged on social media claiming that one of the contestants for the Alaafin stool, Prince Lukman Mofojudola Gbadegesin, had been appointed as the new monarch but the social media story was quickly and vehemently dismissed as mere rumour.
Rebuttal
The story was refuted by the Oyo kingmakers and the state government with the speed of lightening as the entire royal families in Alaafin Atiba Ruling House in Oyo town on Saturday, May, 6th wasted no time in holding a press conference to disclaim the story.
To underscore the severity of the matter, the press conference was attended by Prince Sina Afolabi – Adeitan Family, Prince Remi Azeez-Tella Okitipapa Family, Prince Lamola Olanite- Olanite Family, Prince Agboin Adelabu – Adelabu Family, and Prince Raji Adediran-Adediran Family.
Other royal families in attendance were Prince Nureni Taiwo – Tella Agbojulogun Family, Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan – Adesokan Baba Idode Family, Prince Adesiyan -Adesiyan Family and Prince Bello Rasheed -Abidekun family.
The essence of the press briefing was to impress it on Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo state government the need to wait for the on going court proceedings initiated by the ruling families on the selection of a new Alaafin of Oyo and that the new Alaafin must be from among the nine Atiba children.
Addressing a press conference through their spokesman, Prince Adesina Afolabi, the nine ruling families from Atiba Ruling House urged Governor Seyi Makinde to wait until the ongoing court case before the selection of a new Alaafin is resolved.
Prince Afolabi argued that it would be unfair for Oyo state government and Gov Makinde to appoint a new Alaafin while the court case is still pending.
“This is to ensure that the process of selecting a new Alaafin is conducted in a transparent and just manner, as stipulated by the law. It would be unfair to appoint a new Alaafin while the court case is still pending. It is important that the governor recognizes the significance of the traditional institution and ensures that a fair and just process is followed in selecting the next Alaafin.”
“This press conference is necessitated by the recent development on social media and some sections of the print media to the effect that the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved and announced the appointment of a new Alaafin of Oyo.
“However, it is heart-pleasing to know that the rumour has been subsequently disclaimed by the government authorities.
“But the disclaimer by the Oyo state government notwithstanding, we, once again want to set the record straight to serve as a guide in the course of appointing a new occupant of the revered stool of our forefathers.
“We are expressing our gratitude to Governor Makinde for his role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that traditional institutions are not politicised or manipulated for personal gain. It is refreshing to see that the governor is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the process of selecting a new Alaafin of Oyo.
“This is a clear indication of his unwavering commitment to good governance and the overall well-being of the people of our state.
The royal families stressed, “Moreover, the governor’s decision to reject the illegality in the selection process of the new Alaafin has shown that he is a leader who is not swayed by sentiments or personal interests. He has shown that he is willing to uphold the rule of law and ensure that due process is followed in all matters.
Makinde’s commended
“We must commend Governor Makinde’s stance on fairness and due process in the selection process of the new Alaafin. This decision will not only restore the people’s confidence in the leadership of our state, but it will also serve as a deterrent to others who may want to circumvent the law for personal gains.
“We are using this opportunity to thank the governor for his commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in our state. We urge him to continue to prioritize the well-being of the people and always uphold the rule of law in all matters.
“In essence, the request is for the Governor of Oyo state to refrain from taking any further action regarding the selection of a new Alaafin until the court case that has been filed against the Chieftaincy Declaration of the Alaafin is resolved.”
According to Prince Afolab, “This is to ensure that the process of selecting a new Alaafin is conducted in a transparent and just manner, as stipulated by the law. It would be unfair to appoint a new Alaafin while the court case is still pending. It is important that the governor recognises the significance of the traditional institution and ensures that a fair and just process is followed ina selecting the next Alaafin.
“The chieftaincy declaration is a document that outlines the hierarchy and procedures for the selection and appointment of traditional rulers in the state. It is crucial that these guidelines are adhered to, and any decision regarding the appointment of an Alaafin is made based on the provisions of this declaration.
“Therefore, it is important for Governor Makinde to maintain the status quo and respect the autonomy of the traditional institution until the court case is resolved. This will not only ensure a smooth transition process but also serve as a testament to the governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice and equity in the state.”
He stressed further, “it is essential that Governor Makinde prioritize the resolution of the court case before any action is taken with regard to the appointment of a new Alaafin. This will ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and just, as required by the law.
Gentlemen of the press, it is time to end to the years of discrimination that has plagued the sele marginalised for too long, and it is only fair that they are given a chance to ascend the throne. We urge the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the nine Atiba Children.
“The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy has been found to have a defective process, and it is crucial that equity and justice are upheld in the selection of the new Alaafin. We cannot afford to have a flawed process that will only perpetuate the marginalization of nine out of the children of Alaafin Atiba.
“As a government that values justice and equality, we implore the governor to act in the interest of the people and uphold the findings of the competence commission of enquiry into the stool of Alaafin. This will not only promote equity and fairness but also help to foster unity and inclusiveness in the community. Therefore, we call on the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the marginalised Atiba Children and setting a precedent for future selection process”.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said as far as the state government is concerned,
Governor Seyi Makinde would not approve any candidate as the new Alaafin of Oyo until real due process is followed in the ongoing selection process.
He also said the state government would not want any legal battle immediately after a new Alaafin has been approved and installed by the state government, and that the expected due processes to be followed in the selection are clearly stated in the government gazette on the selection of a new Alaafin of Oyo.
