Five prominent kingmakers in Oyo town and their preferred candidate for the Alaafin stool, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, have issued Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde a 30-day ultimatum to reverse the appointment of Akeem Abimbola Owoade as Alaafin of Oyo. The group threatens to take legal action if their demands are not met.
In a letter dated January 14, 2025, addressed to Makinde by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Sobaloju, the kingmakers and Gbadegesin described Owoade’s appointment as illegal and a violation of traditional and legal processes. The letter also criticized Makinde’s allegations of bribery during the initial selection process, calling them defamatory.
The kingmakers involved include the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, and four others. They claim Makinde disregarded the unanimous decision of the Oyomesi, the council responsible for selecting the Alaafin, and accused him of usurping their authority.
Makinde announced Owoade’s appointment on January 13 and presented him with the staff of office on January 15. During the ceremony, the governor alleged corruption in the earlier selection process and promised to prosecute those involved.
In a second letter, Sobaloju argued that Makinde’s actions violated the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and the Oyo State Chiefs Law of 2000. The kingmakers demanded the governor rescind the appointment and recognize Gbadegesin as the legitimate Alaafin, citing court rulings prohibiting Ifa consultations in the selection process.
The group warned Makinde against making defamatory statements, stating he could be held accountable for his actions after leaving office.
Gbadegesin’s counsel also filed a request for injunctions to prevent Owoade from performing any duties as Alaafin and to prohibit Makinde from recognizing or funding his reign. The kingmakers insist that the prior process, which selected Gbadegesin, was lawful and legitimate.
Makinde has yet to respond to the ultimatum as tensions escalate over the highly revered Alaafin stool.
