The Oyomesi, traditional kingmakers in Oyo town, have declared the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as Alaafin-Designate by Governor Seyi Makinde as illegal and against established customs.
The Oyo State Government recently announced the governor’s approval of Prince Owoade as Alaafin-Designate, nearly two years after the throne became vacant. However, five key members of the Oyomesi have disowned the appointment, claiming that the name submitted by them to the state government for consideration was Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.
In a letter addressed to Governor Makinde and signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), the kingmakers expressed their disapproval. The signatories include High Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinni of Oyo.
The letter stated:
“On September 30, 2022, at a duly convened meeting in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, the Kingmakers voted to appoint Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as Alaafin of Oyo. His name was forwarded to Your Excellency for approval, which was inexplicably declined. Subsequently, the Kingmakers initiated legal action to prevent interference with the selection process, and the matter remains under appeal.”
The kingmakers expressed shock at the government’s announcement, which claimed the selection followed “wide consultation and divination.” They insisted that the selection process is strictly guided by the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which requires a formal meeting convened by the Bashorun of Oyo at the Alaafin’s palace.
They further stated:
“No such meeting was held to appoint Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade. Any gathering convened by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs at the Governor’s Office or elsewhere on January 9, 2025, does not align with the established customs and is, therefore, illegal and invalid.”
The letter emphasized that the governor’s role is limited to approving the name forwarded by the kingmakers and does not extend to organizing or influencing the selection process. The kingmakers called on the government to respect the traditional procedures outlined in the chieftaincy declaration and nullify the recent appointment.
