Out of the 65 candidates who showed up for the Alaafin stool screening, ten have been chosen for an interview.
On Thursday, the Oyo Traditional Council (Oyo Mesi) wrapped up its interviews for candidates.
The ten, it was learned, would be brought before the Ifa oracle for advice during the following stage of the procedure.
Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin of Oyo’s director of media and publicity, provided The Nation with a confirmation of the occurrence on Friday.
Only 10 of the 65 candidates, according to High Chief Yussuf Layinka, the Regent and Basorun of Oyo, qualified for the interview round.
He said that the Oyo Mesi would soon convene to discuss the Ifa consultation as the next step.
He said: “Whoever emerges among the shortlisted aspirants will be candidate and the next Alaafin of Oyo.’
The Regent also dispelled what he called false information spread on social media about the demand for N200,000 from each candidate and the use of an Oyo Mesi during the interview process.
He claimed that although the Alapinni, a member of the Oyo Mesi, was ill, it had been requested that they have a representative in the council so they can stay informed and involved as the selection procedures develop.
The Regent added: “The State Government is not only aware but carried along in all our proceedings before, during and after the interview period.
“The state government is ably represented by the Chairperson of the Atiba Local Government and some officials of the Council.
“On the Alapinni matter, he is a member of the Oyo Mesi but presently indisposed. To follow the due process, he needs to be represented in order to keep him abreast of development. He cannot be left out in the scheme of things. Hence, we request for his representative. Health is wealth. We wish him quick recovery.
“People should watch their utterances and refrain from reckless comments capable of causing implosion. People entrusted with the peace and tranquility of the town should not just rush to the press for mischief making.
“It is better for one to find out about what he or she doesn’t know from the authentic source, than going to the press to cause disaffection”.
