Kingmakers blame Makinde for delay of new Alaafin

The kingmakers in the historic Oyo town claim to have completed their task of choosing the new Alaafin and that it is now the responsibility of Governor Seyi Makinde to name the new occupant of the prestigious stool.

Two of the kingmakers, who spoke exclusively to our correspondent under the condition of anonymity, claimed that although they had chosen the new Oba through the established and customary process, they were still awaiting the government to pronounce the chosen one’s name.

Following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April of last year, the historic Oyo Alaafin stool became vacant.

The state government received the name of the allegedly chosen new Alaafin, according to reports, through the local government starting in September 2022.

Makinde responded, “I will rather delay and have due process followed and then we know that if anyone decides to go to court after that, the exercise will be a nullity,” but she added, “I will rather have due process followed.” I think strong institutions are what Nigeria needs right now, but we also need people to create strong institutions.

We have done our parts since last year, said one of the kingmakers who did not want his name published. During this process, there were government representatives present. All of the candidates (princes) for the exalted stool were also required to provide two sureties to witness, sign, and agree that they would all submit to, support, and agree with whoever was chosen for the throne of Alaafin.

“A year has passed, and there is still no new oba. So tell me, in a hostile environment or without the Oba, how will this town experience incredible growth? Each of us is a part of the whole. There is only one prince. After the due process was strictly followed, there shouldn’t be any more issues, in my opinion. We continue to wait for our amiable governor, Makinde, to take appropriate action.

“We have painstakingly done the necessary things, whether the chosen and by His grace, our next Alaafin is wealthy or not,” a different kingmaker remarked. We can’t move forward without a traditional ruler, so the government should just declare him and call it a day.

It will be remembered that the most recent Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, passed away at the age of 83. He held power for 52 years.