Rewritten News Story:
Five key Oyo town kingmakers have rejected Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive to initiate a fresh selection process for the Alaafin of Oyo, insisting that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin remains the Alaafin-elect.
The dissenting kingmakers include the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; and two warrant chiefs representing the Asipa and Alapinni of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, respectively.
In a letter signed by their legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), the kingmakers criticized the governor’s decision to appoint additional warrant chiefs and restart the selection process. They argued that the move disregards an ongoing court case over the matter.
The letter, dated January 9, 2025, stated, “The appointment of Chief Odurinde Olusegun (Alajagba of Ajagba) and Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye (Alago-Oja of Ago Oja) as warrant kingmakers to join High Chiefs Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin of Oyo) and Lamidi Oyewale (Samu of Oyo) to commence a fresh selection process undermines the authority of the judiciary and disrespects the decision of the majority of kingmakers who have already chosen Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect.”
The letter described the governor’s action as unlawful and subjudicial, warning that proceeding with a new selection process would erode public confidence in governance and the constitution. Sobaloju further noted that a similar disregard for court rulings was seen in the past when Governor Makinde dissolved democratically elected local government chairmen.
“Restarting the process for filling the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo during the pendency of a court motion for injunction undermines the judiciary and constitutes an act of lawlessness,” the letter added.
The succession crisis follows the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022, at 81, after a historic 52-year reign. Despite the court’s pending deliberations, tensions persist over who will ascend to the throne, with the kingmakers standing firm in their endorsement of Gbadegesin.
They urged Governor Makinde to respect the court process, suspend the directive, and uphold the rule of law for the integrity of the judiciary and governance.
