The Oyomesi, kingmakers of Oyo State, have advised Governor Seyi Makinde to address his grievances against them in court following an ongoing dispute over the selection of a new Alaafin. The disagreement has deepened following the governor’s decision to approve a different candidate for the revered throne.
The rift began after five out of seven Oyomesi members recommended Luqman Gbadegesin for the position.
However, on January 10, Governor Makinde announced Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin and officially presented him with the staff of office on Monday. Despite the kingmakers’ objections, the governor reiterated during the event that the Alaafin stool would not be politicized, vowing to prosecute anyone attempting to destabilize the state’s traditional institution.
In response, the Oyomesi, through their legal counsel Kunle Sobaloju, described Makinde’s allegations as “unacceptable” in a letter addressed to him. They insisted that the selection process adhered to tradition and expressed dissatisfaction with the governor’s approach.
The disagreement has stirred tension in the state, with the kingmakers maintaining that court intervention is the proper channel to address the dispute.
