The Oyo State High Court has scheduled March 11, 2025, for the hearing of a suit filed by Prince Ismaila Olamilekan Owoade, a contender for the Alaafin of Oyo stool, against Governor Seyi Makinde and 19 others.
Owoade is challenging the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo, alleging that due process was not followed in the selection process. He contends that the appointment excluded the Baba Iyaji, the official responsible for presenting candidates to the Kingmakers, as stipulated in the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and the Chiefs Law of Oyo State 2000.
Presiding over the case, Justice Jimoh Adesina will hear arguments from Owoade’s legal representative, Bamidele Ogundele, who is seeking an order nullifying the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade and preventing both him and Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin from parading themselves as the Alaafin of Oyo.
Among the 20 respondents in the case are top Oyo State officials, including the Attorney General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, members of the Oyo Mesi (Kingmakers), and Atiba Local Government.
Owoade is requesting the court to:
• Invalidate the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo.
• Restrict the governor and other officials from proceeding with the installation.
• Mandate compliance with the traditional selection process outlined in the 1961 declaration.With the court hearing now set, the case is expected to be a critical test of adherence to traditional and legal processes in the selection of the next Alaafin of Oyo.
