Ten of the 65 aspirants who appeared for screening for the Alaafin stool have been shortlisted for interview as the Oyo Traditional Council (Oyomesi) concluded interviews for aspirants on Thursday.

The 10, it was gathered, would be presented before the Ifa oracle for consultation in the next phase of the process.

Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Mr Bode Durojaiye, confirmed the development to The Nation yesterday.

The Regent and Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yussuf Layinka, said out of the 65 aspirants, only 10 qualified for the interview stage.

He said that members of the Oyomesi would soon meet to deliberate on the next step, which is consultation with Ifa.

He said: “Whoever emerges from the shortlisted aspirants will be the candidate next Alaafin of Oyo.”

The Regent also debunked what he described as misinformation in the social media on the collection of N200,000 from each aspirant and representation of one of the Oyomesi during the interview period.

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He said the Alapinni, a member of the Oyomesi, had been indisposed but was requested to have a representative in the council so as to be abreast and involved in the selection processes.

The Regent added: “The state government is not only aware but carried along in all our proceedings before, during and after the interview period.

“The state government is ably represented by the Chairperson of Atiba Local Government and some officials of the Council.

“On the Alapinni matter, he is a member of the Oyomesi but presently indisposed.

“To follow due process, he needs to be represented in order to keep him abreast of development.

“He cannot be left out in the scheme of things. Hence, we request for his representative.

“Health is wealth. We wish him quick recovery.

“People should watch their utterances and refrain from reckless comments capable of causing implosion.

“People entrusted with the peace and tranquility of the town should not just rush to the press for mischief making.

“It is better for one to find out about what he or she doesn’t know from the authentic source than going to the press to cause disaffection.”