Princes from nine royal families in Oyo, known collectively as the Atiba Nine have opposed the selection of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo.
The group described Owoade’s selection as inappropriate, stating it disregards Oyo’s respected traditions.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State officially presented the staff of office to the Alaafin-designate on Monday despite initial oppositions.
The Atiba Nine criticized this decision, alleging that it was influenced by a proclamation from US-based Awise Agbaye, Prof. Wande Abimbola, who claimed that Ifa had chosen Owoade for the throne.
They argued that the appointment not only contradicts Oyo’s longstanding customs and traditions but also violates legal processes meant to govern the selection of the Alaafin.
Their position was outlined in a statement issued on behalf of the nine royal families by Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family.
Afolabi emphasized that the families have legitimate claims to the throne and insisted on adherence to due process to maintain the dignity of Oyo’s royal institution.
READ ALSO: Makinde inaugurates Owoade as Alaafin Oyo
The other eight princes are Prince Remi Azeez, Tella Okitipapa; Prince Lamola Olanite, Olanite; Prince Agboin Adelabu, Adelabu; Prince Raji Adeniran, Adeniran; Prince Nureni Taiwo, Tella Agbojulogun; Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan, Adesokan Baba Idode; Prince Adesiyan, Adesiyan; and Prince Bello Rasheed, Abidekun.
These princes stated unequivocally that they do not support Owoade’s selection as Alaafin-designate.
Afolabi asserted that the process leading to Owoade’s emergence was “against the custom and tradition of the Oyo Royal Houses as regards the making and installation of the Alaafin.”
He clarified that their objection is not personal towards Owoade or Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, another contender previously chosen by the Oyomesi, noting that both have legitimate claims to the throne.
However, they maintained that the procedure resulting in Owoade’s selection violated Oyo’s deep-rooted traditions.
The Atiba Nine also disclosed that they are pursuing a court case to challenge the processes that led to the emergence of both Owoade and Gbadegesin as contenders for the throne.
They reiterated their dedication to ensuring that proper procedures are followed to uphold the sanctity and respect of the Alaafin’s stool.
Accusations Against Governor Makinde
Afolabi accused Governor Makinde of deviating from his commitment to due process, saying: “What the governor did was totally against the highly revered Alaafin stool. His action has reduced the throne to an object of ridicule.
“It was expected of Governor Makinde, an apostle of due process, to have followed a just line of action and avoid reducing the Alaafin stool or the Alaafin to an Oba Gbandu or Oba Yebuyebu, an ordinary oba without honour.”
He cited the process of selecting the Ooni of Ife as a reference. His words: “When the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, was to be made the oba, he entered Ipebi and everything was done in accordance with the custom and tradition of Ife before he was proclaimed as the Oonirisa.”
Concerns About the Future of Alaafin Stool
The princes expressed concerns about the future implications of this decision, adding, “We don’t want our revered stool or the Alaafin to become an object of ridicule and mockery in the future.
“We don’t want him to be referred to as an oba that was anointed in Ibadan, precisely at the Office of the Governor. We don’t want people to refer to him as an Alaafin that did not enter Ipebi.”
They emphasized that the Alaafin is a prominent and first-class Yoruba ruler and called on the state government to halt the process and ensure a proper selection.
“We don’t have anything personal against Omooba Owoade who was appointed as the Alaafin on Monday. He too made efforts to become the oba. We don’t have any personal issues with Omooba Lukman Gbadegesin either.
“However, our group is against the process through which Owoade and Gbadegesin emerged as candidates for the Alaafin stool.
“And what Governor Makinde had done by making Omooba Owoade the Alaafin is an attempt to ridicule the throne. We, the Atiba 9, don’t want it! We respect Professor Wande Abimbola who consulted Ifa, but if he wants to be fair to all, he should come and consult Ifa at Ojude Ogun here in Oyo”, the statement read.
Warning About Legitimacy of Future Alaafin
The Atiba Nine also appealed to the Oyomesi, led by Basorun Yusuf Akinade, to address any internal conflicts and work towards unity.
They stressed that the Oyomesi remains the sole authority to initiate the process of selecting a new Alaafin, stating, “Whatever is the grouse or disagreement between the Basorun and other members of the Oyo Mesi should be resolved.
They should call themselves together and settle their crisis amicably before any process of installing a new Alaafin can be embarked upon.”
Afolabi warned that any Alaafin chosen under the current circumstances would face challenges to their legitimacy, stating, “If we should look at it critically as things stand now, some obas who are supposed to be taking instructions from the Alaafin will not be doing that; they will not respect him as they will see him as not being properly appointed.
“The Alaafin should not be reduced to an ordinary oba.
“These are our grouses. 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. Whoever that emerged through such a process will be acceptable to us”, said those aggrieved.
This opposition follows a prior statement by five Oyo Kingmakers declaring Owoade’s appointment invalid, as they claimed they did not endorse him to the state government.
Crediblenewsng.com
