Oyo kingmakers reject fresh selection process, insist Gbadegesin is Alaafin-elect

Five prominent kingmakers in Oyo Town have opposed Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive to initiate a fresh selection process for appointing a new Alaafin of Oyo, insisting that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin has already been chosen as the Alaafin-elect.

In a formal letter addressed to the governor, the kingmakers, through their legal counsel, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), argued that the governor’s decision disregards an ongoing court case related to the selection process. The letter, which was made available to the press earlier today, contended that initiating a new selection process undermines the traditional and legal proceedings already in place.

The opposition is led by key members of the Oyo kingmakers, including the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akiniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, a warrant chief representing the Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, a warrant chief standing in for the Alapinni of Oyo.

The kingmakers emphasized that the selection of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin was conducted in accordance with established customs and traditions and called on the governor to respect the process and allow the pending court case to take its legal course. This development adds a new layer of complexity to the longstanding leadership transition in Oyo Town, with stakeholders urging for the preservation of cultural heritage and adherence to the rule of law.