A group of Oyo traditional kingmakers, known as the Oyomesi, have strongly opposed Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of Oba Abimbola Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
In a statement, the group has urged the governor to present any evidence of alleged misconduct against them in court instead of making public accusations. They have also hinted at taking legal action against the governor once his immunity as a sitting governor expires.
The controversy stems from Governor Makinde’s decision to appoint Oba Abimbola Owoade to the revered throne of Alaafin, despite five out of the seven Oyomesi members initially recommending Prince Luqman Gbadegesin for the position.
During the official presentation of the staff of office to the new Alaafin, Governor Makinde remarked that he would not allow the Alaafin’s stool to be “commercialized,” a comment that the Oyomesi found deeply offensive.
Through their counsel, Kunle Sobaloju (SAN), the Oyomesi sent a strongly worded letter to the governor, condemning the accusations as baseless and defamatory.
“The claims made by Your Excellency are unacceptable,” the letter stated. It went on to advise Governor Makinde to refrain from making public statements that could harm their reputation and instead take any evidence he has to court.
The letter added, “The Oyomesi, in their respect for the high office of the Governor of Oyo State, have refrained from joining issues with you in the public arena. It is, therefore, disheartening that Your Excellency continues to make public statements that cast aspersions on their integrity.”
“We urge Your Excellency to refrain from resorting to a trial by media or the court of public opinion in a bid to confer legitimacy on recent unlawful acts of the state, under your command.
“If there is any evidence to support these allegations, we respectfully advise that it should be brought before the court, where it can be properly examined and addressed”
“Publicly maligning the Oyomesi, who are custodians of tradition and highly respected in the Oyo Kingdom, undermines not only their reputation but also the sanctity of the ongoing judicial process and defamatory of our clients.”
