Royal families in Oyo warn Makinde about the new Alaafin

Governor Seyi Makinde has been urged by nine out of the eleven royal families in Oyo town to postpone making any decisions about the next Alaafin of Oyo until the legal matter is addressed.

During a news conference yesterday in Oyo town, Prince Afolabi Adesina of the Adeitan royal family, who spoke on behalf of the nine households, said this.

Additionally, these families encouraged the governor to choose the new Alaafin of Oyo in accordance with the law and to ensure equity, fairness, and justice.

The Agunloye Family and Alowolodu Family of the eleven families within the Atiba lineage have been ruling without allowing the other nine to ascend to the stool of their forefathers, they added, explaining that the families have been marginalized in the appointment and selection processes of the Alaafin over the years.

Prince Adesina Afolabi (Adeitan family), Prince Lamola Olanite (Olanite family), Prince Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun family), Prince Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa family), and Prince Raji Adediran (Adediran Ese Apata family) all served as representatives for the nine royal families.

Prince Bello Rasheed (Abidekun family), Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode family), Prince Adesiyan (Adesiyan family), and Prince Agboin Adelabu Adelabu Baba Ibadan family are some of the others.

His words; “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 prioritise 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.”

”It would be unfair to appoint a new Alaafin while the court case is still pending. It is essential that Governor Makinde prioritises 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.”

The 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, left his position in April 2022 to join his ancestors, leaving the throne vacant.