Abimbola Owoade’s appointment as the Alaafin of Oyo has been rejected by princes from nine royal houses in Oyo, known as the Atiba 9.
They have called the decision “unacceptable” and accused it of ignoring the Oyo Kingdom’s respected traditions.
Following Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent presentation of the office personnel to Owoade on Monday, the Atiba 9 expressed their disapproval.
The nomination, according to the royal family, is against both the law guiding the Alaafin selection process and Oyo’s long-standing practices.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family, the Atiba 9 expressed their disappointment, particularly over the involvement of US-based Awise Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola, who claimed that the Ifa oracle had chosen Owoade as the next monarch. The princes argue that the selection process, influenced by Abimbola’s proclamation, violates Oyo’s deep-rooted traditions.
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Afolabi emphasised that their objection was not personal against Owoade or Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, another contender for the throne previously endorsed by the Oyomesi.
Both men, he stated, have legitimate claims to the throne. However, the Atiba 9 insists that the process that led to Owoade’s emergence as Alaafin-designate was not in line with the kingdom’s age-old customs.
The statement also revealed that the Atiba 9 is actively pursuing a court case challenging the selection process.
The royal families remain committed to ensuring that the rightful procedures are followed in upholding the integrity of the Alaafin’s stool.
