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Tag: Alaafin

  • New Alaafin to commence 21-day traditional rites

    New Alaafin to commence 21-day traditional rites

    Following the presentation of the Staff and Instrument of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, by Governor Seyi Makinde, a source has revealed that his 21 days of traditional rites for ascension to the throne will begin immediately.

    According to the source, Oba Owoade has headed to Oyo Town to meet the sons and daughters of the town and will proceed with his mandatory 21 days of traditional rites for ascension to the throne of his forefathers.

    The people of Oyo town are set to welcome Owoade to the ancient city following his approval by the Oyo State Government, as all markets, including the ancient Akesan Market, have been closed, while people have positioned themselves along the major roads leading to the palace and family house of the monarch at Agure.

    The Iyaloja of Oyo, Alhaja Adijat Bakare, stated that the suspension of trading activities was in consonance with the customs and traditions of the Oyo people.

    Alhaja Bakare and other market women, waiting to receive the new Oba, expressed their excitement at having a new Alaafin, who is regarded as an important symbol of honour and unity in Oyo.

    Recall that the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Monday presented the instruments of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.

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    The event took place on Monday at the Governor’s Office, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The governor, whilst speaking at the event, remarked that the Alaafin’s stool is significant not just to Oyo Town but to the Yoruba race as a whole, adding that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because his administration believes in openness and transparency.

    He stated that he would prosecute chiefs who allegedly collected money during the selection process, adding, however, that he would only forgive them if they sought the forgiveness of the new monarch.

    Makinde warned those who are still intent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, asserting that the government would not relent.

  • UPDATED: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alaafin as coronation holds in four weeks

    UPDATED: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alaafin as coronation holds in four weeks

    Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has presented the instruments of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.

    The event took place on Monday at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.

    Speaking at the event, the governor said the Alaafin’s stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole.

    The governor maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.

    He warned those who are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, saying the government is not letting down. 

    He said he will prosecute Chiefs who allegedly collected money in the process of the selection, adding however that, he will only forgive them if they seek the forgiveness of the new monarch.

    Makinde said: “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.

    “I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.

    “Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

    “When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

    “I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.

    “The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

    “Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”

    While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.

    “The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

    “I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Makinde presents certificate, staff of office to Alaafin

    In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people.

    He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

    Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin.

    He also thanked those involved in the selection process.

    In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom.

    Top government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.

  • Alaafin: Makinde vows to prosecute chiefs accused of bribery in Gbadegesin selection

    Alaafin: Makinde vows to prosecute chiefs accused of bribery in Gbadegesin selection

    Governor Seyi Makinde has threatened to prosecute and punish all chiefs or kingmakers within Oyomesi or others, who might have collected bribe or gratification in the selection process that culminated into emergence of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin.

    He said any chiefs found guilty of alleged collection of bribes during the selection process would face prosecution.

    Recall that five kingmakers (Oyomesi) have declared the appointment of Prince Owoade as new Alaafin by the governor as null and void because they did not recommend such a name to the state government, insisting that the only person they recommended as the next Alaafin was Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.

    But the governor while presenting staff of office and certificate to new Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade in Ibadan at the Oyo State Government House, emphasised on transparency and accountability in the selection process of new monarch.

    The governor described the Owoade as a leader poised to upholding the cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom, noting that the Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler but a custodian of rich history and tradition.

    “I believe that Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade will lead with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to the unity of the Oyo kingdom.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Makinde presents certificate, staff of office to Alaafin

    In his response, Owoade expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo and promised to prioritise the development of the kingdom and the welfare of the residents.

    Owoade was accompanied by a delegation of his subjects from Oyo town, marking a significant moment in the State’s traditional leadership history.

    He however pledged to usher in a new era of leadership, with a focus on cultural preservation, youth development, and economic growth in the Oyo Kingdom.

    Meanwhile, when contacted, the Bashorun of Oyo and head of Oyomesi, High Chief Yusuf Akinade said their lawyer should be contacted for reaction, saying he has nothing to say for now since the case is currently in court.

    “I don’t know anything about it, I’m not around, whatever you want to know, you can contact our lawyer because the case is currently in court, so, I can’t say anything outside the court. I’m the Bashorun, I’m not aspiring to become the Alaafin”, he said. 

  • BREAKING: Makinde presents certificate, staff of office to Alaafin

    BREAKING: Makinde presents certificate, staff of office to Alaafin

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has presented the staff and instrument of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.

    The Governor presented the staff of office to the new Monarch during a brief eventat the Exco Chambers of the Governor’s office, Secretariat Agodi Ibadan on Monday.

    Among those at the event were Deputy Governor Bayo-Lawal; former Oyo Speaker Senator Monsurat Sunmonu;  some High Chiefs from Oyo Town and religious leaders. 

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    The Awise Awo Agbaye, Prof. Wande Abimbola, the revered Ifa Custodian, who performed Ifa divination for the selection of the new Alaafin, was also among the distinguished guests.

    Members of the Oyomesi were however absent at the event.

    Details shortly…..

  • Alaafin: Makinde changing Yoruba traditional institution from analogue to digital — Oluwo 

    Alaafin: Makinde changing Yoruba traditional institution from analogue to digital — Oluwo 

    …lauds Makinde for appointing ‘Exposed’ prince 

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has expressed confidence that the Yoruba monarchy will soon be the envy of other kingdoms following the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the Alaafin-designate.

    In a statement on Friday, Oba Akanbi praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for selecting Prince Owoade as the Oba-elect, emphasizing that his exposure and experience make him well-equipped to lead the ancient town of Oyo.

    The Oluwo also described Owoade’s ascension to the throne as the will of God and called for unwavering support for the newly-designated Alaafin.

    Read Also: New Alaafin of Oyo: 13 important things to know about Prince Owoade

    He said “I congratulate Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin Elect, on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers. While extending my congratulations to the good people of Oyo Kingdom, I equally commend the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for making such a courageous decision by appointing an exposed prince as Alaafin.

    “With this decision, Governor Seyi Makinde has convinced the digital generation that the Yoruba monarchy will soon be an envy of many. The Governor is fulfilling one of the purposes of the creation of challenging the status quo by changing the narrative of traditional institutions in Yorubaland from analogue to digital.  

    “I want to call on the good people of Oyo State to accept the emergence of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the will of God. God has spoken. No one has the power to enthrones without the will of Olodumare (Almighty God). One of the means to manifest submissiveness to God is to accept whoever He promotes.”

  • Alaafin: Any process except Ifa divination won’t stand, Ladigbolu family tells kingmakers

    Alaafin: Any process except Ifa divination won’t stand, Ladigbolu family tells kingmakers

    Members of the Ladigbolu Royal Family in ancient Oyo town have urged kingmakers to allow the oracle to select who becomes the Alaafin of Oyo, among those jostling for the seat.

    The family said there was need for the kingmakers to go back to the drawing board in selecting the new monarch.

    The position of Alaafin of Oyo became vacant, following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on April 22, 2022.

    A statement by Akinade Oladigbolu, on behalf of the family, said any other process besides Ifa divination would not be acceptable.

    The statement said from the beginning, princes were told that Ifa consultation would be employed to select the king, and they agreed.

    The royal family hailed Governor Seyi Makinde for the way he had been handling the matter by not allowing some self-centred groups to mislead and push him into taking wrong steps.

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    It said: “We are taking this opportunity to warn those promoting lies against the governor and accusing him of using delay tactics to subvert the will of the kingmakers, to desist and join the path of truth. They should stop anti-people’s move.’’

    The family said the position of Alaafin of Oyo was an important seat in Yorubaland, adding that the Yoruba all over the world should join the battle against imposition, describing it as a taboo.

    “It is important we do it right now because any wrong step taken in the selection process will have negative effect in future and posterity will not forgive anybody that cuts corners against the will of the people and God for Oyo town.’’

    The family insisted that as today, none of the names of aspirants jostling for the position of Alaafin had been submitted by the Oyomesi as the crowned prince to the government.

    “But from our own side, Akeem Gbadegesin Oladigbolu is our choice because we believe he is capable of building on the legacies of our forebears and transforming Oyo into a modern city.”

  • Makinde and the Alaafin stool

    Makinde and the Alaafin stool

    • By Kola Amzat

    Sir: The impasse that has greeted the ascension of new monarch to Alaafin stool should by now be a source of worry to genuine sons and daughters of the ancient town. Indeed, the ugly and very unfortunate development should even disturb all Yorubas in the country, as well as Yorubas in Diaspora-Benin Republic, Brazil, Cuba, Canada and other countries that share affinity with the ancient town.

    Ordinarily, after the legendary and iconic Alaafin Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi joined his ancestors, it shouldn’t have taken more than six months before a new Alaafin ascended the throne.

    Nigerians recall that charismatic Oyo monarch died in April 2023, and here we are in August 2024, about 17 months after, still battling with the appointment and enthronement of a new monarch.  

    Meanwhile, it’s about the same time that the late Soun of Ogbomoso-land, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi also joined his ancestors; the new king has since emerged in the town, with coronation completed more than six months ago, despite several controversies that resulted in litigations pre, during and even, after the new monarch emerged and installed.

    The Oyo Mesi, on whom the sole authority with the clear and unmistakable mandate of chosen the new Alaafin rest, as well as make recommendation to another authority have abided most sincerely and patriotically with the demands of the mandate.

    With the above process completed, people of Nigeria and Yorubas at home and in Diaspora should enquire from the governor of what’s stalling the ratification from his office, as well as his subsequent enthronement?

    The rumour in the public domain is that the governor is reportedly to have in his possession petition against the chosen prince, of a business deal that went awry from a woman business associate.

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    The governor may have forgotten that in this end times when blackmailers are on the prowl, destroying the destiny of those who provident has chosen for leadership in government, traditional institution and corporate companies, the onus is on the governor to decipher substance from shaft, with a view to considering larger interest of an historic ancient town by downplaying obnoxious and irrelevant petition obviously borne of out of petty jealousy, strife and envy.

    On the Alaafin stool alone, the governor has several court cases with Oyo Mesi.  At his instance, the EFCC was invited to quiz all Oyo Mesi members on spurious allegations that they collected bribe from the chosen prince. The Oyo Mesi members – Basorun, Samu, Agbaakin, Akinniku and Lagunna are all within age bracket of 75 years and they’ve been in this office for several years serving the ancient town meritoriously, dutifully, sincerely and selflessly, without any blemish whatsoever.

    The governor failed to put this into consideration before subjecting the hapless and highly revered leaders of the ancient town to harrowing and very draconian and objectionable experience.

    Meanwhile, the news in the public domain presently is that the governor has given a fresh mandate that Oyo Mesi embark on a fresh process to choose the king and therefore discountenance the already concluded process.  

    Who does that!

    This writer is therefore calling on the governor to come out clean, with a view to clearing the air and making his primordial interest on the stool publicly known. If he has a candidate in mind, let him make a formal presentation of him to Oyo Mesi.

     •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB)

    Lagos.

  • Alaafin: Court adjourns nine Atiba royal families’ suit against Oyo govt, Oyomesi

    Alaafin: Court adjourns nine Atiba royal families’ suit against Oyo govt, Oyomesi

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Awe, Afijio Local Government, has adjourned the hearing of the case filed by the nine Atiba royal families against the Oyo state government and kingmakers (Oyomesi) over the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo.

    Justice Ladiran Akintola, on Tuesday, November 28, adjourned the hearing of the case till February 27, 2024.

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    According to Justice Akintola, the adjournment was due to the absence of the state counsel.

    Speaking after the adjournment, counsel to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants, Benjamin Ogunleye, said the matter was actually slated for mentioning.

    He said the notice of preliminary objection was filed by the 3rd defendant and the (plaintiffs) will respond to it before the next adjournment day.

    Recall that nine out of eleven royal families had taken the Oyo state government and the Oyomesi to court over alleged marginalisation.

  • Alaafin stool: Five Oyo Mesi appear in court over suit instituted against Makinde

    Alaafin stool: Five Oyo Mesi appear in court over suit instituted against Makinde

    The Oyo State High Court sitting in Oyo town has adjourned for hearing the case instituted by five out of six Oyo Mesi against Governor Seyi Makinde, the State Attorney General, and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter over the selection of new Alaafin of Oyo till Thursday.

    The stool of Alaafin became vacant following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi

    The Claimants in suit no, HOY/38/2023 are High Yusuf Akinade Ayoola, (Basorun of Oyo town) High Chief Wakeel Akindele Oyedepo, (Laguna of Oyo town) High Chief Amuda Yusuf, (Akinniku of Oyo), High Chief Waheed Oyetunji (Aare Ago Basorun), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (Baale Alapo). All the Claimants were present in Court.

    The lead Counsel to the claimant, Kazeem Sobaloju, (SAN) had in his argument pleaded for a stay of status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.

    He submitted that the claimants have two motions before the court; motion exparte on interim order of injunction and motion of notice on interlocutory injunction.

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    But Counsel to defendants E.O. Ojebisi, a Senior State Counsel at the Oyo State Ministry of Justice said they have just been served the motions not up to five days as required by the law on the service of notice.

    He, therefore, requested more time to file a counter affidavit.

    However, Sobaloju urged the court to grant an order of stay of status quo as a result of the urgency in the matter.

    Sobaloju submitted that the kingmakers had performed their traditional role of selecting the new Alaafin as enshrined in the Chieftaincy law but the state governor instead of approving the process asked them to start the process afresh.

    But Justice Ladiran Akintola insisted that there was no urgency in the matter and, thereby, told the counsels to agree on a date for the hearing.

    He said the defendants should be given the opportunity to be joined in the suit with the filing of a counter affidavit.

    According to him, it is after this that I can rule on the stay of the status quo.

    Meanwhile, some indigenes of the town stormed the entrance of the court with placards with various inscriptions to show their grievances against the delay in the selection of the new monarch chosen by the Oyo Mesi.

    They urged the governor not to compromise but to follow due process by approving the candidate chosen by the masses.

  • Judge’s absence stalls hearing in suit challenging process to pick Alaafin

    Judge’s absence stalls hearing in suit challenging process to pick Alaafin

    Hearing in a suit seeking inclusion of nine royal families in the process to choose the new Alaafin of Oyo was stalled yesterday, as the judge did not sit.

    The suit was filed by three members of the nine families named Atiba-9, and is being heard at an Oyo State High Court sitting in Oyo town.

    The families are also descendants of Abiodun Atiba, the first Alaafin of the current Oyo town. Only two descendants – Agunloye and Alowolodu – have been producing the Alaafin after Atiba’s death.

    In the suit, Atiba-9 is seeking an order directing the state government to review the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration to include the nine royal families in view of the 1976 State Executive Council resolution, which directed the Alaafin of Oyo to undertake the review after pronouncing the declaration as defective for not accommodating Atiba-9.

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    Atiba-9 is also seeking an order interpreting the failure of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III to undertake the review as leaving the declaration defective and thereby invalid, meaning it cannot be used to select a new Alaafin if the nine families are not included.

    Consequently, the royal families want the court to restrain kingmakers and the government from selecting anyone for the Alaafin stool pending the determination of the suit.

    The court has given November 28 as the new hearing date.

    Oba Adeyemi III joined his ancestors in April last year after a 52-year reign. He hailed from Alowolodu family.