The approval of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the Alaafin-designate by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has sparked widespread controversy and resistance.
Governor Makinde announced the selection of the 47-year-old Owoade on Friday, marking an end to the two-year vacancy left by the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April 2022. The decision, according to Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade, followed consultations and divinations by the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers.
However, opposition has arisen from various quarters, including the Oyomesi themselves, who have labeled the approval as “executive recklessness.”
Kingmakers Reject Appointment
Five key kingmakers—led by the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade—have declared the appointment null and void, claiming that Owoade’s name was not recommended to the state government. Instead, they maintain that Prince Luqman Gbadegesin was the rightful choice based on majority votes cast during a meeting held in September 2022.
Through their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju, the kingmakers argued that the process violated the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which mandates that only the Bashorun can convene a meeting to select a new Alaafin. The kingmakers asserted that no such meeting took place for Owoade’s selection, rendering the appointment invalid.
The group further criticized a January 9 meeting involving a few kingmakers and warrant chiefs reportedly held at the Governor’s office, calling it an unlawful attempt to impose the Governor’s preferred candidate.
MURIC Condemns Decision
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has also condemned the appointment, describing it as illegal, unconstitutional, and a mockery of Oyo’s customs. MURIC’s Oyo State representatives, Barrister Abdulwaheed Lawal and Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, accused Governor Makinde of disregarding a pending court case and undermining traditional processes.
“The new selection is subjudice and reflects lawlessness without borders,” the group stated, adding that the Governor’s actions amount to a caricature of the ancient town’s traditions.
Calls for Reversal
Amid the growing backlash, the kingmakers and other stakeholders have vowed to challenge the decision in court, asserting that the Governor’s actions lack legal and customary legitimacy. As tensions rise, many await further developments regarding the historic stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.
