The ongoing battle for the prestigious Alaafin of Oyo throne has taken a fresh twist as Prince Ismaila Olamilekan Owoade has dragged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and 19 others to court, challenging the selection of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin.
The suit, filed before Justice Jimoh Adesina of the Oyo State High Court, seeks to nullify Prince Abimbola’s appointment, citing alleged irregularities in the selection process.
Prince Owoade argued that the procedure failed to comply with the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and the Oyo State Chiefs Law of 2000.
At the heart of the legal battle is the alleged sidelining of Chief Mukaila Afonja, the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, who plays a crucial role in screening and presenting candidates to the Oyo Mesi (Kingmakers).
Prince Owoade insisted that the selection process was flawed because it did not follow traditional protocols.
“Baba Iyaji is responsible for presenting the most qualified candidate after proper consultation with stakeholders, but this crucial process was ignored,” reads part of the court documents filed by his counsel, Bamidele Ogundele.
The case is set for hearing on March 11, 2025.
The lawsuit does not only target Governor Makinde but also includes other key figures in Oyo’s traditional and political structures, including:
– The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State
– The Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs
– Prince Abimbola Owoade (newly appointed Alaafin)
– Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin (another contender for the throne)
– Prince Yusuf Layinka, the Basorun of Oyo
– Several high-ranking chiefs, including Agbaakin, Iba Samu, Ona Ilemole, and Alajagba of Oyo
– Atiba Local Government, Oyo Town
Prince Owoade is asking the court for the following, a declaration that Prince Abimbola Owoade’s appointment is illegal, unlawful, and invalid, a restraining order preventing Prince Abimbola and Prince Gbadegesin from parading themselves as the Alaafin, an injunction stopping any further coronation or official recognition of Prince Abimbola as the Alaafin on April 4, 2025, an order compelling the Oyo Mesi to restart the selection process under Baba Iyaji’s leadership, in line with the 1961 Chieftaincy Declaration and the Oyo State Chiefs Law.
As if the situation was not complicated enough, another aspirant, Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin, has also filed a separate suit challenging the validity of the selection process.
This parallel legal battle further deepens the uncertainty surrounding the Alaafin stool.
The crisis has sparked concerns among traditional and political stakeholders, as the outcome of these court cases could significantly reshape the Oyo traditional institution.
With the March 11 hearing drawing closer, all eyes are on the Oyo State High Court, where the fate of the next Alaafin will be determined.
