The traditional kingmakers of Oyo town are eagerly awaiting the formal inauguration of the new Alaafin, with their hopes resting on the actions of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. High Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo, revealed this during an exclusive interview with our correspondent.
An unofficial document has hinted at the selection of a new Alaafin in October 2022. The Oyo Mesi, responsible for choosing the Alaafin, has already submitted the name of the nominated prince to Governor Seyi Makinde. However, the governor has not yet announced their choice.
The selection of the Alaafin is guided by the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, which allows for the submission of petitions against the selection within 21 days. Such petitions can only be initiated by a contender or a ruling party.
It has been nearly a year since the selection process was completed and communicated to the government, as reported by Findwhosabi. The late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, who reigned for almost 52 years, passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
In an interview with Findwhosabi, Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo, affirmed that the selection process had been concluded, and they were awaiting an official announcement from the state government. He explained, “We concluded the selection process for the new Alaafin on October 4, 2022, and we informed the state government of our decision immediately. As the law of the land demands, we didn’t receive any petitions against our decision, but a lawsuit was filed against us.”
He further elaborated, “We hired our own lawyer, and we won the case, with the court ruling that the initial decision made by Oyo Mesi was correct. Since then, we have been waiting for the governor to make an announcement, but he hasn’t done so. We will continue to wait for him to do that.”
Responding to rumors that the governor might intend to push for another selection process, Chief Akinade emphasized, “We will never do that. God will not allow us to face such a setback. The entire Oyo Mesi has conducted a comprehensive process that has been completed, and we have all endorsed it. We will patiently await the governor’s satisfaction to announce the candidate we have selected.”
When approached for comment, Dotun Oyelade, the state’s Commissioner for Information, confirmed that the government had been informed of the Oyo Mesi’s decision. However, he mentioned that the governor was taking his time, stating, “The Oyo Mesi has the authority to perform its duties, but the law allows His Excellency to review it as the final authority on the matter, ensuring that no misconduct or error occurs that could result in future complications or legal disputes, as we saw with the former Eleruwa of Eruwa.”
Regarding the court’s ruling in favor of the Alaafin selection process by the Oyo Mesi, Oyelade added, “In terms of legal procedures, we will adhere to due process without violating the law. In due course, the Honourable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General will address the issue more comprehensively.”