The Oyo Traditional Council, commonly known as the Oyo Mesi, has referred to a report that suggested suspicion and wrongdoing in the ongoing selection process for the next Alaafin of Oyo as being false and malicious.
The Council said that the tale did not accurately reflect what actually happened at its meeting last Wednesday, September 28, apparently in response to a report that appeared in some media outlets.
The Council made a statement to the Alaafin on Saturday through the Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bode Durojaiye.
High Chief Yussuf Ayoola Layinka, the Basorun of Oyo, reaffirmed the Oyo Mesi’s dedication to maintaining justice and fairness in the selection of a new Alaafin.
He emphasized that the Ifa oracle consultation and not a vote of any kind will choose who the next monarch of the historic Oyo town will be.
The statement reads “The attention of the Oyo Traditional Council, known as the Oyo Mesi, has been drawn to a publication in the City Magazine , headlined, Alaafin stool: Concerned stakeholders raise alarm over perceived foul play and neglect of traditional” and published on the 30th of September, 2022.
“The said publication was misleading malicious and did not truly reflect what actually transpired at the meeting of Oyo Mesi held on 28th of September, 2022.
“We are committed to upholding justice and fairness in the choice of a new Alaafin. Ifa consultation and not voting in whatever form will determine who will be the next King.
“Irrespective of wicked lies, misinformation, rumours and insinuations milling around, the Basorun of Oyo remains undaunted, but focused, determined and devoted to the cause of progress, unity and the development of our town.
“It is indeed unfortunate that a section of the media have turned themselves into junkyards for spent forces whose sticks in trade is fanning embers of civil strife in order to feather their nests.
“I also commend other media that have not thrown professionalism to the dogs but are really practicing responsible journalism. I enjoin these reliable media to keep up the reputable standard and not to rely on information from either the social media or bloggers”.
He said the Oyo Mesi as a Council remains one united and indivisible body.
“The Oyo Mesi is one and indivisible. Where did they (media) get the unsubstantiated information that we are in disarray? Over what? It is the handwork of the spent forces who do not wish us well.
“It is true that all of us held a meeting in my house, and it was inconclusive. We will still reconvene again. All the members were not only good, but embraced one another, even cracking jokes, after the meeting devoid of rancour and ill feelings.
“So, it is strange and disturbing to read in one media the spurious report that the Oyo Mesi were in disarray over which method to adopt in the choice of the new Alaafin”.
