A section of the Oyo kingmakers, known as Oyo Mesi, stated on Monday that Governor Seyi Makinde had not granted approval for the nominee put forward as the next Alaafin of Oyo due to a failure to adhere to proper procedures.
This group of kingmakers, consisting of High Chief Agbaakin of Oyo, Asimiyu Atanda, High Chief Samu of Oyo, Lamidi Oyewale, and Baale Ajagba, Odurinde Olusegun, addressed the media in Oyo town, expressing concerns about irregularities in the process that led to the selection of a specific nominee.
On the other hand, a faction led by High Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo, mentioned that they are waiting for the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to inaugurate the new Alaafin.
They noted that the nominated prince’s name had been forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde, but the governor had yet to announce the kingmakers’ choice.
However, the faction led by High Chief Ayoola criticized Basorun’s unilateral inclusion of warrant officers into the council without the consent of other lawmakers, approval from the Local Government authority, and the state governor.
They emphasized that only five members of the Oyo Mesi and two warrant Chiefs were eligible to nominate a candidate for the Alaafin, and that one of the warrant Chiefs had been included without proper authorization.
The group explained that they had initially submitted a nominee for the Alaafin’s office but received government feedback stating that they had not followed due process.
They were instructed to rectify this and conduct their work according to the declaration.
Unfortunately, the Basorun did not convene any meetings of the Oyo Mesi as directed by the government.
In response to these issues, the deprived Atiba ruling houses expressed their intention to resist any attempt to exclude them from the selection process of the new Alaafin.
They asserted that the kingmakers did not adhere to due process in nominating a candidate for the vacant stool and called for the implementation of the 1976 Adekunle Ladeinde reports, which would involve all nine ruling houses, including Olawoyin, in the selection process to ensure justice and fairness.
