Kehinde Fajobi
Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, a former contender for the Alaafin of Oyo throne, has taken legal action to challenge the appointment and presentation of the staff of office to Prince Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Gbadegesin, reportedly endorsed by a faction of the Oyomesi, is urging the court to nullify the appointment and approval of Owoade as Alaafin, arguing that the governor’s actions contravene the Oyo State Chiefs’ Law 2000.
In a pre-action notice signed by his legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, and addressed to Governor Makinde, Gbadegesin stated that the selection process breached established protocols.
The dispute over the selection of a new Alaafin has divided the kingmakers and the governor. Five out of seven Oyomesi members had supported Gbadegesin for the position.
However, on January 10, the governor approved Owoade’s appointment and presented him with the staff of office.
Governor Makinde, during the ceremony, emphasised his commitment to preventing the politicisation of the Alaafin stool.
He also warned that those attempting to destabilise the state’s traditional institutions would face legal consequences.
Gbadegesin’s notice alleged, “By announcing a different candidate, the governor has usurped the powers of the Oyomesi, violating the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, which makes the Oyomesi the sole authority for the selection of the Alaafin.
“The governor’s alleged reliance on Ifa consultation contradicts the judgment of the Oyo State High Court of December 19, 2022, which declared Ifa consultation in the selection process unlawful, as it is not provided for in the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.”
Gbadegesin also dismissed allegations of bribery against two Oyomesi members, stating that the claims were raised too late and lacked proper investigation.
His legal demands include “an order setting aside the purported appointment, approval of appointment, and presentation of staff of office to Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin of Oyo, as it was done in violation of the provisions of the Chiefs’ Law of Oyo State, 2000.”
He is also seeking a declaration affirming that his selection by the Oyomesi was lawful, valid, and in line with the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.