No fewer than 80 princes vying to become the Alaafin of Oyo will soon be interviewed, according to Chief Mukaila Akanji, the Head of Oyo Princes. One of the contestants is a former Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Ayo Ladigbolu, the magazine has learnt.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital on Thursday by Director, Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye.
The names, Durojaiye said have been submitted to the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yussuf Ayoola, who doubles as the regent of the town. He said a committee has been set up to interview the contestants for the ancient throne of Alaafin which became vacant after the Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III joined his ancestors in April this year.
The late Alaafin reigned for 52 years and died at the age of 83.
The statement said, “At the end of the meeting, it was resolved that all the contestants should, as a matter of utmost concern, attend a peace meeting on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at the Agbala Ogun Hall, in the Palace.
“Thereafter, from next week Monday till Thursday, contestants will appear for interview on daily basis.
“There will be a break on Friday, as no interview will take place, to pave the way for the Jumat service. The interview will resume on Monday, the 12th, and last till the 15th of September, 2022.”
Recall that Ladigbolu in June revealed his ambition to become the next Alaafin.
The 84-year-old cleric said he joined the race following “countless appeals and pleas from far and near.”
“Especially those who are knowledgeable about my devotion to, and undying commitments to the greater progress and prosperity of Oyo Town, and my undeniable records of current contributions to uplifting the Yoruba culture as well as the honour, glory and splendour of the Alaafin both here at home and in the global community.”
He said he’s not too old to succeed Oba Adeyemi because his age “is the greatest asset”.
“Most importantly, age has never been a negative factor in the selection of an Alaafin,” he said.
“All previous Alaafins in New Oyo except one have had the advantage of age and maturity from which both Oyo and Yoruba Nation have benefited. The only odd single circumstance came about due to exigencies known to historians and most adult members of the public in the 1970s.
“Nobody is sponsoring me to seek an opportunity to better serve a community which I have served and helped for about 40 years as a responsible citizen and community leader.
“The people are actually urging me and appealing to me to join the race. The pressure is not limited to well-meaning adults but also includes a lot of the common people who have been touched one way or another by my patriotic enthusiasm for the growth and development of Oyo Town and the Oyo Metropolitan Community.
“While I don’t have any sponsor, I can claim the support of many admirers who crave continuity and smooth transition. Thank you for raising these questions,” Ladigbolu said.
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