There is a new twist in the ongoing selection process for the new Alaafin of Oyo, as it has suffered another setback.
This is owing to a renewed call for inclusion by nine royal families who said they were also entitled to the stool.
Alaafin of Oyo stool became vacant as a result of the demise of the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Atanda Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, who reigned for 52 years before joining his ancestors at the age of 83.
Since the demise of the traditional ruler, the ancient town is yet to have a new monarch.
Available information made available to DAILY POST revealed that 119 aspirants were shortlisted, but only 57 people were interviewed.
Politics Nigeria gathered that Baba Iyaji, the head of princes in Oyo submitted all the applications to the Bashorun of Oyo
A letter was then sent from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy in conjunction with Atiba Local Government directing the Baba Iyaji to attend to only Agunloye ruling house.
But it seems the process is encountering a major challenge as nine royal families in the town said that they had been sidelined.
They noted that there is a pending court case challenging the selection process.
The families then urged the State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde not to approve the appointment of the new monarch until the pending court case is resolved.
They made the demand while addressing a press conference recently at Akinmorin town near Oyo.
The nine royal families are: Adeitan family, Olanite family, Tella Agbojulogun, Tella Okitipapa family, Adediran Ese Apata family, Adesokan Baba Idode family, Adesiyan family, Abidekun family and Adelabu Baba Ibadan family.
They were represented by Prince Adesina Afolabi (Adeitan family), Prince Lamola Olanite (Olanite family), Prince Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun family), Prince Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa family), Prince Raji Adediran (Adediran Ese Apata family), Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode family), Prince Adesiyan (Adesiyan family) Prince Bello Rasheed (Abidekun family) and Prince Agboin Adelabu Adelabu Baba Ibadan family, at the press conference.
According to them: “We are using this opportunity to thank the Governor for his commitment to promoting good governance, transparency and accountability in our state. We urge him to continue to prioritise the well-being of the people and always uphold the rule of law in all matters.
“In essence, the request is for the Governor of Oyo state to refrain from taking any further action regarding the selection of a new Alaafin until the court case that has been filed against the chieftaincy declaration of the Alaafin is resolved.
“This is to ensure that the process of selecting a new Alaafin is conducted in a transparent and just manner, as stipulated by the law. It would be unfair to appoint a new Alaafin while the court case is still pending.
“It is important that the governor recognises the significance of the traditional institution and ensures that a fair and just process is followed in selecting the next Alaafin.
“Therefore, it is important for Governor Makinde to maintain the status quo and respect the autonomy of the traditional institution until the court case is resolved. This will not only ensure a smooth transition process but serve as a testament to the Governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice and equity in the state.
“It is essential that Governor Makinde prioritises the resolution of the court case before any action is taken with regard to the appointment of a new Alaafin. This will ensure that the process is transparent, fair and just as required by the law.
“Gentlemen of the press, it is time to put an end to the years of discrimination that has plagued the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo in the past.
“The nine Atiba children have been marginalised for too long, and it is only fair that they are given a chance to ascend the throne. We urge the Governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the nine Atiba children.
“The ministry of local government and Chieftaincy has been found to have a defective process and it is crucial that equity and justice are upheld in the selection of the new Alaafin. We cannot afford to have a flawed process that will only perpetuate the marginalisation of nine out of the children of Alaafin Atiba.
“As a government that values justice and equity, we implore the Governor to act in the interest of the people and uphold the findings of the competence commission of enquiry into the stool of Alaafin. This will not only promote equity and fairness but also help to foster unity and inclusiveness in the community.
“Therefore, we call on the Governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the marginalised Atiba children and setting a precedent to future selection process”.
We urge the court to declare 1976 report as the only legal instrument to select new Alaafin- Prince Afolabi
