By Adeyinka Adeniran
Prince Lukman Gbadegesin was the choice of the Oyo kingmakers as the next Alaafin. But Makinde opted for Prince Abimbola Owoade as he threatens to prosecute Kingmakers for alleged bribery in selection process of the Alaafin. Yinka Adeniran writes.
Lukman Gbadegesin, the selected Alaafin of Oyo, is currently in a state of limbo due to a dispute over his appointment. The kingmakers of Oyo have endorsed him as the rightful candidate, but the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has appointed a different person, Prince Abimbola Owoade, as the Alaafin.
The kingmakers have rejected the governor’s appointment, stating that it is unlawful and inconsistent with the traditional criteria for appointing the Alaafin. They have also taken legal action to prevent any disruption to the selection process.
It is unclear where Lukman Gbadegesin is physically located at the moment, but it is clear that he is at the center of a contentious dispute over the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo.
Gbadegesin was chosen by the Kingmakers also called Oyomesi. He hails from the Gbadegesin family of the Agunloye Ruling House and is a grandchild of Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II, the predecessor of the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III.
Gbadegesin has an impressive background, having served as a personal assistant to Alhaji Aruna Elewi, a minister of state for communication during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. He’s also been associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who’s the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The selection process for the new Alaafin was quite rigorous, involving the Oyomesi and other stakeholders. The kingmakers received a list of 82 aspiring princes from the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, and after a thorough process, Gbadegesin emerged as the chosen one.
However, during the process, allegations of bribery and favoritism was levelled against the Kingmakers, a situation, it was gathered got to the hearing of the governor.
The governor had, after receiving the nomination of Gbadegesin made his feelings known, going by allegations of bribery and corruption against the Kingmakers and had showed that the process was flawed.
He had also at different fora at the time insisted on following the due process in the selection and choice of the would be Alaafin. He had discreetly asked the Kingmakers to begin the process afresh, to which the Kingmakers outrightly rejected.
The allegations of bribe taking or amount involved could not be confirmed as at the time of this report.. The allegations again surfaced, and Governor Makinde has taken notice. He threatened to prosecute and punish any chiefs or kingmakers found guilty of collecting bribes during the selection process.
While Governor Makinde hasn’t explicitly confirmed the allegations, his stance suggests that the claims are being taken seriously.
The governor emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the selection process during the presentation of the staff of office to the new Alaafin, Oba Owoade.
The selection process for the Alaafin is steeped in tradition and intrigue, The allegations of bribery have added a layer of complexity to the process, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the selection of traditional leaders.
As it is, it remains unclear what fate beholds for Gbadegesin and the Kingmakers as the new Alaafin begins his reign over the ancient town.
