A new process for the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo has begun, following a series of crises and legal battles that have plagued the succession since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on April 22, 2022.
According to Punch, the Oyo State government has ordered this fresh process to ensure a suitable candidate emerges as the new monarch.
The succession dispute has been marked by a legal battle among the kingmakers of Oyo town, known as the Oyomesi in Council, who sought to restrain Governor Seyi Makinde from rejecting their unanimous choice, Prince Lukuman Gbadegesin, at a meeting held on September 30, 2023.
This dispute, filed under suit number HOY/38/2023 at the Oyo State High Court, led to a stand-off between the kingmakers and the governor.
The platform revealed that the state government is keen on a fresh selection process to prevent further crises and ensure a rightful heir is chosen.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the government aims to announce the next Alaafin shortly after some members of the Oyomesi visited Governor Makinde recently.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, stated, “The governor is not around. He has travelled and nobody can announce the new Alaafin. The fresh selection process will begin soon.”
An informed government source, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “The fresh selection process will begin soon. What the governor is trying to do is to ensure a right person emerges.”
Another impeccable source added, “We are doing everything possible to ensure that there is no crisis about the selection of the next Alaafin. I want to tell you that the government will announce the next Alaafin very soon. But it will take a due process.”
When reached for comments, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated, “I’m not aware of it.”
