The stool of the Alaafin of Oyo will remain vacant so long the right person is not found to occupy the position.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State made this known in Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday saying his government is trying to avoid a situation where a new Alaafin will be removed by the court after being installed.
Makinde stated his government’s position on the controversy sorrounding the installation of a new monarch of the ancient town, during the swearing in ceremony of the state new Chief Judge, Iyabo Yerima, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
Simce the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022 there has been scramble among the princes from the ruling houses to succeed him, among them a former a retired Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Ayo Ladigbolu, who said his lifetime ambition was to become the Alaafin.
No need to rush, Governor Makinde admonished the contestants noting that everything will be done to ensue that the installation of a new traditional ruler is hitch free of any legal bottlenecks.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained the reasons behind the delay in the emergence of new Aalafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomosoland, adding that it was to allow due process to be followed in their selection to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.
He explained that a monarch who spent 22 years on the throne had once been dethroned by the court which ruled that his enthronement did not follow due process.
“And I said to myself, not under my watch are we going to repeat the same mistake. I will rather delay and have due process followed,” Makinde said.
“Then, if anybody decides to go to court after the emergence of the new traditional rulers, such exercise might be a nullity. I believe this is what we need in Nigeria right now – strong institutions.
“But, we also need people to build them, people with experience, capacity and people with strong conviction to do what is right.
“That is why the appointment of people like Justice Iyabo Yerima is important because she has experience in leadership,” the governor said
Ladigbolu, the 84 year old retired Methodist Bishop had while declaring his interest to occupy the traditional position last year claimed that pressures were on high far and near to occupy the position due to his richness in Yoruba culture and tradition.
“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,” have been putting pressure on him, he said.
The magazine learned that close to 50 names have been received by the Oyo-mesi, the governing institution for the Alaafin from the ruling houses in the town which has since forwarded the list to the state government for a final decision on the matter.
