The appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde has drawn opposition, with the Oyo Kingmakers and Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) rejecting the decision as unlawful.
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On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, announced the appointment of Prince Owoade, two years after the position became vacant. The Kingmakers and MURIC have expressed displeasure, citing violations of due process and pending legal matters.
In a letter to Governor Makinde, five Kingmakers from Oyo, represented by their lawyer Adekunle Sobaloju, declared the appointment invalid. They reaffirmed their support for Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin, whom they had earlier selected as Alaafin on September 30, 2022, under the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, 1961.
The Kingmakers accused the governor of convening an unauthorized meeting on January 9, 2025, involving “emergency warrant chiefs” to appoint his preferred candidate.
The letter reads:
“It is not the duty of the Governor to convene a meeting of a few Kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs to select or appoint a new Alaafin. This appointment is unlawful, invalid, null, and void.”
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) condemned the appointment, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional.” In a press statement signed by its Oyo State Chairman, Barrister Abdulwaheed Lawal, and Secretary, Amb. Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, MURIC accused the governor of ignoring a pending court case on the matter.
“Makinde has made a caricature of the tradition and custom of the ancient town of Oyo Alaafin with this appointment,” MURIC stated. “The new selection is therefore subjudice.”
The Kingmakers said the governor’s refusal to approve their recommendation of Prince Gbadegesin led to litigation, which is still pending. They accused the governor of attempting to undermine the legal process.
MURIC urged the government to respect judicial proceedings and uphold the traditions of the Oyo Alaafin.
As the legal battle continues, the fate of the Alaafin’s stool remains unresolved, with Prince Owoade’s appointment facing strong opposition.
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