The candidate selected by the Oyomesi for the Alaafin of Oyo stool, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin,has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of overstepping his authority and violating the 1961 Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration by appointing Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin.
Gbadegesin argues that the governor’s reliance on Ifa consultation during the selection process contravenes a December 19, 2022, Oyo State High Court judgment, which declared the use of Ifa consultation unlawful for selecting an Alaafin, as it is not outlined in the 1961 Chieftaincy Declaration.
Legal Action
Gbadegesin has filed a suit at the Oyo State High Court, seeking to nullify the governor’s actions, including the appointment, approval, and presentation of the staff of office to Prince Owoade.
In a pre-action notice signed by his Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adekunle Sobaloju, Gbadegesin insists the governor’s actions contravene the Oyo State Chiefs’ Law of 2000.
The notice highlights:
Allegations of bribery involving two members of the Oyomesi, which were raised over a year after Gbadegesin’s selection.
Claims that these allegations were not formally reported or investigated, raising questions about their validity.
Background
The Alaafin stool became vacant following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022. The kingmakers, or Oyomesi, had earlier selected Gbadegesin as the candidate for the revered throne.
However, Governor Makinde’s eventual choice of Prince Owoade has sparked controversy, with Gbadegesin asserting that due process was not followed.
This legal dispute is expected to bring further scrutiny to the selection process for the Alaafin of Oyo and the roles of the Oyomesi and the state government in the chieftaincy matters.
