Tension is brewing in Oyo State as key members of the Oyomesi-in-council have accused Governor Seyi Makinde of plotting to unlawfully arrest and detain them.
The kingmakers made this claim in a letter to the Federal High Court, alleging that security agents acting on the governor’s orders attempted to apprehend them despite an ongoing legal case.
The three affected kingmakers—Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo; Wakeel Akindele, the Lagunna of Oyo; and Hamzat Yusuf, the Akinniku of Oyo—revealed that the attempt to arrest them occurred on February 13, 2025.
Their lawyer, Kunle Sobaloju SAN, detailed the incident in the letter, stating that security operatives in plain clothes invaded Oyo town in a vehicle with registration number 01A-289 OY.
“When they did not meet them at home, they laid siege to their premises till 12 am, clearly demonstrating their intent to arrest, detain, intimidate, harass, and persecute them,” the letter read.
Legal Battle Escalates
This development comes amid an ongoing legal dispute between the kingmakers and Governor Makinde.
Last month, the Oyomesi-in-council dragged the governor to court, accusing him of using the Oyo State anti-corruption agency to harass and intimidate them.
The kingmakers alleged that the agency was being weaponized to threaten them with arrest as part of a broader scheme to suppress opposition.
In their suit, they urged the Federal High Court to protect their fundamental human rights and end what they described as the governor’s “witch hunt.”
Their lawyer argued that the governor’s actions were an abuse of power meant to silence traditional authorities.
“Flagrant Disregard for the Court”
In the letter to the court, Sobaloju emphasized that the attempt to arrest the kingmakers while the case was still pending was a clear violation of legal norms.
“It is trite law that when parties have submitted their dispute to court, none of the parties is allowed to take the law into his hands,” he stated.
He further accused the security agents of disregarding the court’s authority, calling it a “flagrant disregard for the authority of this Honourable Court and a serious interference with the due process of law.”
The timing of the attempted arrest, immediately after the service of court documents, raised suspicion about the motive behind the operation.
“The timing of these actions, immediately following the service of court documents, raises serious concerns about their motivation and appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the proceedings before this Court,” Sobaloju added.
Political Tension and Historical Context
This conflict has intensified political tension in Oyo State, with many speculating that it is linked to the ongoing power struggle over traditional leadership.
The Oyomesi-in-council plays a crucial role in the selection and endorsement of traditional rulers, particularly the Alaafin of Oyo.
Governor Makinde’s administration has faced criticism for alleged interference in traditional institutions, sparking disputes with influential kingmakers.
The strained relationship between the state government and the Oyomesi-in-council has been attributed to disagreements over the selection process for the next Alaafin.
Analysts believe that the governor’s alleged attempts to intimidate the kingmakers could be part of a strategy to influence the succession process.
Makinde’s Administration Denies Allegations
Governor Makinde’s administration has repeatedly denied allegations of harassment and political intimidation.
A spokesperson for the state government described the claims as “baseless and politically motivated,” insisting that law enforcement agencies were merely performing their duties.
“The security agencies are simply ensuring the rule of law and maintaining public order. Any suggestion of political intimidation is unfounded,” the spokesperson said.
Calls for Judicial Intervention
In light of the escalating tension, the kingmakers have urged the Federal High Court to intervene and halt any further attempts to arrest or detain them.
They argued that their legal battle against the governor should be allowed to proceed without intimidation or harassment.
Political observers are closely watching the outcome of this case, as it could significantly impact the balance of power in Oyo State.
The controversy has sparked public debate over the independence of traditional institutions and the role of state authorities in local chieftaincy matters.
The Federal High Court is expected to make a ruling on the matter in the coming days, which could either escalate or resolve the crisis.
