Prince Ismaila Olamilekan Owoade has sued Governor Seyi Makinde and 19 others over the selection of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. He claims the process violated Oyo’s chieftaincy laws and wants the court to cancel the appointment. The case is set for hearing on March 11, 2025.
Prince Owoade argues that Baba Iyaji, Chief Mukaila Afonja, who plays a key role in selecting candidates, was sidelined. He seeks to stop the coronation and restart the process. Another contender, Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin, has also filed a separate lawsuit.
With the court set to decide, the fight for the Alaafin throne has put Oyo’s traditional leadership in the spotlight.