Traditional kingmakers in Oyo town have stated that they are awaiting the swearing-in of the new Alaafin from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to The PUNCH, this was disclosed by the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, made this known in an exclusive interview.
In addition, an unsubstantiated document stated that a new Alaafin was chosen sometime in October 2022.
The traditional kingmakers (Oyo Mesi) announced the nominated prince’s name had been given to Governor Seyi Makinde, who has yet to declare the kingmakers’ choice.
As to the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, the process of selecting a new Alaafin involves the possibility of submitting a petition to the government within a timeframe of 21 days to express opposition towards the appointment. A petition of this nature can only be initiated by a candidate seeking a position or by the governing authority.
“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 get any petitions against our decision, but a suit was filed against us.
“We got our own lawyer, and we won the case, with the court throwing away the case and stating that the initial decision that Oyo Mesi made was right, and since then, we have expected the governor to make an announcement, but he didn’t. We will continue to wait for him to do that,” the Basorun stated.
When asked about the public suggestion that the governor intended to frustrate the Oyo Mesi into conducting another selection process, he said, “We will never do that. God will not allow us to see such a setback. The complete Oyo Mesi has conducted a process that has been completed, and we have all signed it. We will wait till the governor is satisfied to announce the candidate we have selected.”
Upon being reached, the Commissioner for Information of the state, Dotun Oyelade, said that the administration had been duly notified regarding the judgement made by the Oyo Mesi. Nevertheless, the governor is now exercising prudence in his approach.
He said, “The Oyo Mesi has all the rights in the world to do its job; however, the statute allows His Excellency to take a look as the final authority on the issue as provided for by the law to take a canal look and ensure that no misdemeanour or mistake is made that will lead to subsequent embarrassment or litigation as we had with the former Eleruwa of Eruwa.”
When asked about the court ruling in favour of the selection process of the Alaafin by the Oyo Mesi, he added, “As for the legal aspect of it, we will follow the due process without flouting the law. In due course, the Honourable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General will address the issue even more succinctly.”
