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 report, the Oyo State government has ordered this fresh process to ensure a suitable candidate emerges as the new monarch.
Kingmakers in Oyo town, otherwise known as the Oyomesi in Council, had in a suit marked HOY/38/2023 before the Oyo State High Court, sought to restrain Governor Seyi Makinde from rejecting Prince Lukuman Gbadegesin, whom they said they unanimously selected at a September 30, 2023 meeting.
The suit has 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 Oyo Mesi (kingmakers) visited Governor Seyi Makinde recently.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, said, “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 did not want her name in print, said, “Fresh selection process will begin soon. What the governor is trying to do is to ensure a right person emerges.”
Another impeccable source said, “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, Dr.Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, said, “I’m not aware of it.”
