Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent announcement of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo has sparked protests from kingmakers in Oyo Town, Oyo State. According to Dotun Oyelade, the state’s commissioner for information, Owoade was suggested by the Oyomesi, or council of kingmakers, after customary deliberations and divinations. High Chiefs Yusuf Akinade, Wakeel Akindele, and Hamzat Yusuf were among the five notable kingmakers who disagreed with the ruling, claiming that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin had already been chosen by a majority vote at a legitimate meeting in September 2022.
They contend that the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and 1967, which describes a legal and procedural procedure for choosing the Alaafin, is violated by the governor’s reluctance to authorise Gbadegesin’s appointment and the subsequent selection of Owoade. The kingmakers sent an official Protest letter titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo” through their legal representative, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN. They argue that the governor’s decision is illegal and ignores existing legal processes about the Alaafin’s legitimate selection, calling for the process to be put on hold until court rulings are made.
The Alaafin of Oyo occupy a central place in Yoruba history and culture.
In the meantime, Owoade has received backing from Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, who has described his appointment as divinely decreed and a reflection of God’s will. As the traditional monarch of the Oyo Empire, a powerful force in West Africa, the Alaafin of Oyo occupy a central place in Yoruba history and culture. The title “Alaafin” means “owner of the palace,” emphasising the monarch’s pivotal function in both spiritual and governmental leadership.
According to historical accounts, the Alaafin was regarded as the “Ekeji Orisa,” or “deputy of the gods,” and was the ultimate overlord in charge of the empire’s safety and prosperity. Kingmakers and top advisors to the Alaafin were the Oyomesi, a group of seven principal councillors headed by the Bashorun. Significant power was vested in this council, which had the power to choose a new Alaafin and, if required, to formally demand the resignation of the current one. By ensuring that the Alaafin’s authority was in line with local laws and customs, they played a critical role in preserving the balance of power.
Yoruba believes that leadership decisions are guided by divine will.
Consultations and divinations are used to choose an Alaafin by seeking spiritual direction, frequently through Ifa oracle consultations, in order to identify the best candidate. The Yoruba believe that leadership decisions are guided by divine will, which is reflected in this traditional approach. On the other hand, in order to ensure compliance with established protocols, the Oyomesi must debate and cast their votes among qualified candidates in accordance with the legal voting process outlined by the Chieftaincy Declaration regulations, specifically the Registered Declaration of 1967. Although both approaches are essential, the legal voting procedure is given legal precedence since it offers a methodical and verifiable way to choose candidates that complies with both legal and traditional requirements.
Proponents of Prince Abimbola Owoade’s nomination, such as the state government, contend that due procedure was followed in his selection, which combined traditional consultations with legal framework observance. They contend that a comprehensive strategy that respects cultural customs and complies with legal criteria is ensured by combining spiritual divination with official procedures. Some traditional leaders have also voiced their support, citing Owoade’s ascent as a divine act that was in line with God’s plan. One such leader is the Oluwo of Iwo. This case highlights Nigeria’s larger difficulties in striking a balance between traditional practices and contemporary governance.
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Traditional institutions are essential to local government and cultural identity, but in order to maintain legitimacy and public confidence, their operations must be in line with current legal frameworks. The conflict between following state rules and long-standing practices illustrates the complexity of Nigeria’s heterogeneous society, where several hierarchical structures coexist. The office of Governor Seyi Makinde has insisted that Prince Owoade was appointed in accordance with due process, which includes both customary consultations and legal obligations. The governor stressed in a statement the value of protecting cultural assets while making sure the law is followed.