By Adeyinka Adeniran
About two years after the stool of the Alaafin of the ancient town of Oyo was declared vacant, Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday approved the nomination of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the next occupier of the revered stool. He is from the Agunloye family
The stool became vacant following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on April 22, 2022 at the age of 83. He ruled for 52years making him the longest reigning Alaafin at the time. Oba Adeyemi was the 44th Alaafin.
Announcing the new monarch
Announcing the new Alaafin-Designate, the state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade said Prince Owoade was recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the Governor after thorough consultations and divinations.
Oyelade said his counterpart at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo has also issued a statement to that effect. He said the announcement has put to rest, all the socio and legal bickerings that have ensued since the demise of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.
Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the government in celebrating the momentus occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo, praying that the reign of the new monarch will bring peace, prosperity and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.
Recent kicks
A new twist to the narrative was, the pronouncement of Owoade as the Alaafin-Elect came barely few days after five kingmakers expressed displeasure with Governor Makinde, accusing him of making effort to restarting the selection process. The Kingmakers described the alleged plot as illegal, disrespectful and disregard for the judiciary.
The Kingmakers, who expressed their displeasure through their Counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, include: High Chief Yusuf Akínade (Bashorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele, (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji, (Warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo) and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (Warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo).
In a letter to the Governor, the Kingmakers claimed that they have been informed of the appointment of new warrant kingmakers to join High Chief Asimiyu Atanda and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale in selecting another candidate for the vacant stool.
They argued that since there is a pending court case on the matter, the Governor’s attempt to initiate a new process is a disregard to his oath of office and constitutional duty to abide by the constitution and respect the court.
The Kingmakers also said the Governor’s move is similar to his past action when he disregarded a pending court case and dissolved democratically elected Local Government Chairmen, which the Supreme Court eventually condemned as “executive lawlessness.”
They urged the Governor to suspend any plans to initiate a fresh process for selecting the next Alaafin during the pendency of the court case, in obedience to the law and integrity of the courts.
The Process
Some stakeholders have described the announcement as a significant milestone in the rich history of the Oyo Empire. The selection process for the new Alaafin involved the kingmakers of Oyo, known as the Oyomesi, who chose a candidate from the Ona Isokun ward, as stipulated by tradition.
This ward is one of the three royal wards in Oyo, and the candidate must be a descendant of Oranyan, a son of Oduduwa, the founder of the Oyo Empire. The emergence of a new Alaafin is not just a significant event for the Oyo Empire but also has implications for the state and Nigeria as a whole. The Alaafin plays an important role in promoting cultural heritage and unity among the Yoruba people.
Late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s reign was marked by significant developments, including efforts to promote the cultural heritage of the Oyo Empire. Historically, the Oyo Empire has been known for its unique system of governance, which combines monarchical and republican elements. The Alaafin is the supreme ruler, but his powers are checked by the Oyomesi, who ensure that he does not become too powerful.
The selection of a new Alaafin is a significant milestone in the history of the Oyo Empire, and it will be interesting to see how the new monarch navigates the complex web of traditional politics and cultural heritage.
Owoade’s emergence
The emergence of the new Alaafin-designate, Prince Owoade will be marking a new chapter in the rich history of the Oyo Empire. The selection process, steeped in tradition and intrigue, involved the kingmakers of Oyo, known as the Oyomesi.
Owoade’s emergence as the new Alaafin is a testament to his royal lineage and his ability to navigate the complex web of traditional politics. As a descendant of Oranyan, a son of Oduduwa, the founder of the Oyo Empire, Prince Owoade’s selection was made in accordance with the traditional rules of succession.
Background
Prince Abimbola Owoade hails from the Ona Isokun ward, one of the three royal wards in Oyo. His selection was made after a rigorous process involving the Oyomesi, who carefully considered his credentials and suitability for the throne.
As the new Alaafin, Prince Owoade will be expected to promote the cultural heritage of the Oyo Empire, while also navigating the complexities of modern governance. His reign will be closely watched by the people of Oyo and Nigeria as a whole.
The emergence of has significant implications for the Oyo Empire and Nigeria as a whole. As the supreme ruler of the Oyo Empire, Prince Owoade will play a crucial role in promoting cultural heritage and unity among the Yoruba people. He will be expected to navigate the complexities of traditional politics, while also promoting the cultural heritage of the Oyo Empire.
Move to break Alowolodu/Adeyemi and Ladigbolu/Gbadegesin
Some stakeholder have seen the announcement of Owoade as a move by the governor to break the dominance of the two major ruling houses: Alowolodu/Adeyemi and Ladigbolu/Gbadegesin
A Professor of English at the university of Ibadan, Professor Emmanuel Omoboriowo said the Alaafin-Designate is eminently qualified to occupy the stool, even though not from the two major families who were reknowed for occupying the stool over the years.
He said, with the appointment of Prince Owoade, a lot of people in Oyo would most likely be in support of the Governor’s decision, which would be seen as fair and just.
He said “This new Alaafin-elect is from one of the units within the Agunloye family, which means he is a descendant of Alaafin Amubieya Agogo Ija, the eldest son of Alaafin Adelu Agunloye, who was the eldest son of Alaafin Atiba Atobatele.
“The implication of this is that he is a cousin of the Alowolodus and the Ladigbolu-Gbadegesin sections of the Oyo Royal Family, but he is not an Adeyemi or a Ladigbolu/Gbadegesin. For quite some time, ascension to the Oyo throne has been restricted to nominees from those 2 families – Alowolodu/Adeyemi and Ladigbolu/Gbadegesin.
“Alaafin Lawani Amubieya Agogo-Ija was the eldest son of Alaafin Adelu Agunloye. Amubieya gave birth to several children, which included Ladigbolu, Tella and Owoade. By selecting Prince Akeem Owoade- Agunloye, it seems that the Governor has decided to remove the restrictions that had prevented the other members of the Oyo Royal Family from ascending the throne. With the appointment of Prince Owoade, a lot of people in Oyo would most likely be in support of the Governor’s decision, which would be seen as fair and just.”
Cries of marginalization
The process of selection and appointment of the new monarch which started since 2022 has been trailed with controversies, litigation and issues of alleged marginalization of some families in the selection process.
At the start of the process, no fewer than 119 princes from the various royal houses indicated interest to succeed the departed monarch. Various things, such as educational background, wealth, influence, knowledge of the Yoruba culture and ability to speak Yoruba language without any mixup were considered by the Kingmakers in the selection process.
As the process progressed, 61 princes were disqualified, though the reason for the disqualification was not revealed at the time. But sources hinted that those who were disqualified were princes from the families that the kingmakers said are not the one to produce the next monarch.
Out of the number, 58 Princes were cleared. The names of the 58 aspirants cleared was later submitted by the Baba Iyaji to the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yussuf Ayoola Layinka. The Bashorun whose position is likened to the present Prime Minister is the head of the Oyo traditional chiefs, known as Oyo Mesi.
It was gathered at the time that all candidates who were cleared are from the Agunloye royal family. The clearance of the princes from the Agunloye family and disqualification of others from other royal families, according to a source, was due to a letter from the Oyo State government, which instructed the Baba Iyaji to find the next monarch from the Agunloye royal family.
Unconfirmed source said the state government currently recognised two royal families: the Alowolodu and Agunloye and that the position is to be rotated by the two royal families based on that arrangement.
But, the non recognition of other royal families apart from the two was described as discriminatory by some families who said that they should also be allowed to participate. The disqualification of the 61 candidates who are said to be from other royal families made nine families from the Atiba lineage raise an alarm that they had been shortchanged.
But, despite the alarm raised by the nine families from the Atiba lineage, the kingmakers commenced the selection process of the new Alaafin by inviting shortlisted candidates for interview.
Displeased by the move, nine families within the Atiba lineage charged the State government to conclude all ongoing court cases patterning to the Alaafin stool before appointment of the new monarch. The nine families who also cried out that they should be allowed to participate in the process.
The families include: Adeitan, Tella Okitipapa, Ese Apata, Olanite, Adelabu Baba Ibadan, Adesiyan, Adesokan Baba Idode, Iteade Abidekun Omo and Agbojulogun royal families.
Mixed Feelings Erupts in Oyo
The announcement of the Alaafin-Designate, it was a mixed of feelings with the royal families. While some expressed shocked and disappointment, others see it as a welcome development. However, an aura of jubilation and joy could be felt around the ancient town as pockets of indigenes were seen discussing the development.
The last may not have been heard from other stakeholders as watchers are of the views that displeased royal family may resort to approaching the court to pursue their interest.
