Princes from nine royal families in Oyo, known collectively as the Atiba 9, have openly rejected the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo, citing a disregard for the ancient traditions of the revered throne.
The group expressed their dissatisfaction following Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presentation of the staff of office to Owoade on Monday. Speaking on behalf of the Atiba 9, Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family described the process leading to Owoade’s selection as “unacceptable and against the deeply rooted customs, culture, and traditions of Oyo.”
The Atiba 9 accused Governor Makinde of relying on a proclamation by US-based Ifa priest, Prof. Wande Abimbola, who claimed that Ifa divination had chosen Owoade. However, the princes argued that the selection violated the rule of law and the traditional practices guiding the appointment of an Alaafin.
“The process that produced Owoade was against the custom and tradition of the Oyo Royal Houses as regards the making and installation of the Alaafin,” Afolabi said. He clarified that their objection was not personal but rooted in the integrity of the process.
Afolabi warned that Governor Makinde’s actions could diminish the respect and stature of the Alaafin’s stool. He emphasized, “The Alaafin of Oyo is a prominent and first-class traditional ruler in Yoruba land. The process used to appoint Omooba Owoade has reduced the throne to an object of ridicule.”
He further pointed to the example of the Ooni of Ife, noting how the customary rites were meticulously followed during Oba Enitan Ogunwusi’s ascension to the throne. “We don’t want the Alaafin to become an Oba Gbandu or Oba Yebuyebu, an ordinary king without honour,” he added.
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The Atiba 9 also urged the Oyomesi, the council of traditional kingmakers in Oyo, led by Basorun Yusuf Akinade, to resolve internal conflicts and reclaim their role in the selection process. “The Oyomesi remains the only body with the authority to initiate the process of selecting a new Alaafin,” the statement emphasized.
The group criticized the state government’s involvement, urging that the process be returned to the traditional custodians. “Whatever disagreements exist within the Oyomesi should be resolved amicably before the installation of a new Alaafin,” Afolabi said.
The Atiba 9 revealed they have taken legal action to challenge the selection of both Owoade and Lukman Gbadegesin, another contender previously chosen by the Oyomesi. This marks the second major objection to Owoade’s appointment, as five Oyo kingmakers had earlier declared the selection invalid, claiming they did not recommend him to the state government.
Afolabi concluded, “We are not against whoever is appointed as the Alaafin, but the process must be in accordance with our established custom, culture, tradition, and the rule of law. Only then can the new Alaafin gain the respect and acceptance of all Yoruba people.”
The Atiba 9 reiterated their commitment to preserving the sanctity of the Alaafin’s stool and ensuring the throne remains a symbol of Yoruba tradition. They called on all stakeholders to work together to uphold the integrity of the royal institution.