The royal families of Oyo have launched a fierce protest against the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo, accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of disregarding time-honored traditions in favor of an allegedly flawed process. The challenge to Owoade’s ascension is spearheaded by nine royal families, collectively known as the Atiba 9, who are vehemently opposing the Governor’s actions.
Speaking out on behalf of the Atiba 9, Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family issued a bold statement on Tuesday, condemning the decision to present Owoade with the staff of office as the new Alaafin. Afolabi’s declaration reflects the deepening rift between the royal families and the government, with the princes accusing both Makinde and Prof. Wande Abimbola, an Ifa priest based in the United States, of mismanaging the delicate selection process.
According to the Atiba 9, Makinde’s endorsement of Owoade’s reign was influenced by the controversial claim that Ifa had selected the prince for the throne. The royal families, however, argue that this was a gross misrepresentation of the customs and traditions that have governed the selection of the Alaafin for centuries.
“The Alaafin’s stool holds immense cultural and spiritual significance to the Yoruba people. It is a symbol of unity, authority, and heritage. To reduce it to a mere political appointment undermines the very essence of what the position represents,” Afolabi said in the statement.
The princes also pointed out that the selection process violated the principles of fairness and transparency, further claiming that the decision was made without proper consultation with the royal families and the Oyomesi, the traditional council of kingmakers.
Owoade’s rise to the throne has been a source of contention, especially with the emergence of another candidate, Lukman Gbadegesin, who also has a legitimate claim to the position. The Atiba 9 has taken legal action, challenging the legality of both Owoade’s appointment and the process that allowed him to emerge as the preferred candidate.
“We are not opposing Owoade personally, but we demand that the law and the traditions of our ancestors be respected. The integrity of the throne must not be compromised for political convenience,” Prince Afolabi insisted.
The dispute has highlighted the complex and often contentious nature of royal succession in Oyo, a town with a rich history and a pivotal role in Yoruba culture. While Governor Makinde and Prof. Abimbola have defended the process, claiming that it was aligned with the will of the gods through Ifa, the Atiba 9 remains steadfast in their belief that the selection has not been conducted in accordance with established procedures.
The Atiba 9’s statement also takes aim at the Oyomesi, the traditional body responsible for selecting the Alaafin. Led by Basorun Yusuf Akinade, the Oyomesi is tasked with ensuring that the selection process follows due process and respects the traditions that have sustained the monarchy for centuries. The Atiba 9 has called on the Oyomesi to resolve internal disagreements and restore the credibility of the selection process.
“We call on the Oyomesi to put aside any divisions within their ranks and come together to uphold the sacred responsibility they have to the people of Oyo,” Afolabi urged. “Only by doing so can they safeguard the dignity of the Alaafin’s throne and the unity of the Yoruba people.”
The controversy has now placed the Oyomesi at the center of the storm, with many observers wondering how the traditional council will navigate the tensions between the royal families and the state government. The Atiba 9 has signaled its readiness to pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that the rightful traditions are honored, and that the authority of the Alaafin remains unquestioned.
“We are determined to protect the legacy of the Alaafin’s throne and the dignity of our ancestors. This is not just about the future of one man, but about the preservation of a tradition that has endured for generations,” Afolabi emphasized.
The growing rift between the royal families and the state government has also raised questions about the future of traditional governance in Oyo and other Yoruba kingdoms. The Atiba 9’s stance reflects a broader concern about the erosion of traditional authority in the face of modern political pressures, with many fearing that such breaches could weaken the cultural foundation of the Yoruba people.
