Kehinde Fajobi
Five Oyo kingmakers, led by the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, and their preferred candidate, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, have issued a 30-day ultimatum to Governor Seyi Makinde to reverse the appointment of Akeem Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo.
They warned that failure to comply would prompt legal action.
The kingmakers, displeased with the governor’s allegations of bribery during the selection process, have also cautioned him against making further defamatory remarks.
Governor Makinde recently announced Owoade as the new Alaafin, a decision some kingmakers claim disregarded the legitimate selection of their preferred candidate, Gbadegesin.
They insist the process leading to Gbadegesin’s nomination was lawful and urged Makinde to provide evidence of bribery in court.
“The governor has overstepped his authority by appointing Owoade,” the kingmakers argued, adding that the selection of the Alaafin falls solely within the jurisdiction of the Oyomesi.
Gbadegesin’s legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju (SAN), also accused the governor of violating a court ruling by relying on an Ifa consultation, which he noted is absent from the 1961 Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration.