The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde has sparked significant controversy. The Oyo Kingmakers have denounced the decision, describing it as illegal and contrary to established traditions.
Government Announcement of Appointment
The Oyo state government announced Owoade’s appointment on Friday through a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. According to Oyelade, the appointment followed consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyomesi, Oyo’s traditional council of kingmakers.
“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” Oyelade stated.
Kingmakers Reject Appointment
Despite the government’s announcement, five prominent members of the Oyomesi rejected the appointment, asserting that it did not align with the traditional process outlined in the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967. They argued that the Alaafin is chosen strictly through procedures outlined in the declaration, not through consultations or divinations.
The dissenting kingmakers include:
- High Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo.
- High Chief Wakeel Akindele, the Lagunna of Oyo.
- High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, the Akinniku of Oyo.
- Chief Wahab Oyetunji, a warrant chief representing the Asipa of Oyo.
- Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, a warrant chief representing the Alapinni of Oyo.
The kingmakers further stated that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin was lawfully selected as Alaafin-elect in September 2022 through a legitimate voting process, which the governor has refused to approve.
Legal Challenge to the Appointment
The kingmakers, through their legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, issued a letter titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo.” The letter accused the governor of disregarding the traditional selection process, describing his actions as “executive recklessness.”
“The Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but through strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which mandates that the Bashorun of Oyo convenes a meeting for the selection. This procedure was not followed,” the letter stated.
The kingmakers demanded an immediate suspension of Owoade’s appointment, citing a pending legal challenge at the Court of Appeal regarding the governor’s refusal to approve Gbadegesin’s selection.
Tradition vs. Government Interference
The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between government authority and traditional processes in Nigeria. It raises questions about the boundaries of governmental interference in cultural institutions and whether such decisions undermine long-standing traditions.
The outcome of this case will address a larger issue of balancing modern governance with respect for traditional customs, a dilemma that continues to challenge Nigeria’s political and cultural landscape.
