Kehinde Fajobi
Princes from nine royal families in Oyo, known collectively as the Atiba 9, have rejected the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo, calling it “unacceptable” and a violation of the town’s traditions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Prince Sina Afolabi, speaking on behalf of the Atiba 9, criticised the process that led to Owoade’s selection.
He claimed the decision disregarded Oyo’s customs and was influenced by a proclamation from US-based Ifa priest, Prof. Wande Abimbola, who reportedly declared Owoade as Ifa’s choice.
“What the governor did was totally against the highly revered Alaafin stool. His action has reduced the throne to an object of ridicule,” Afolabi said, accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of bypassing due process.
The princes argued that the appointment also ignored the role of the Oyomesi, the traditional council responsible for initiating the selection process.
They called for internal disputes among the Oyomesi, led by Basorun Yusuf Akinade, to be resolved to maintain the integrity of the Alaafin’s throne.
They further rejected the involvement of the state government in the selection process, stating, “We don’t want our revered stool or the Alaafin to become an object of ridicule and mockery in the future.
“We respect Professor Wande Abimbola, but if he wants to be fair, he should consult Ifa here in Oyo.”
While affirming their respect for Owoade and Lukman Gbadegesin, another contender, the Atiba 9 insisted that the throne’s occupant must emerge through a lawful and traditional process to command respect across Yoruba land.
“This process must be in accordance with our established custom, culture, tradition, and the rule of law. Whoever emerges through such a process will be acceptable to us,” Afolabi added.
The princes warned that any Alaafin installed without proper adherence to tradition risks losing the respect of other Yoruba obas.
This rejection marks the second opposition to Owoade’s appointment, following earlier criticism by five Oyo kingmakers who also declared the decision invalid.