Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ife, Prof. Wande Abimbola, has disclosed that the Oyo State Government sought the guidance of the Ifa Oracle to resolve controversies surrounding the selection of the Alaafin-elect.
In a viral video, Prof. Abimbola, a revered Yoruba scholar and Ifa priest, alleged that the traditional selection process had been marred by bribery, forcing Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene.
According to Prof. Abimbola, the Oyomesi kingmakers, tasked with selecting the new Alaafin, were heavily influenced by monetary inducements. He explained:
“The kingmakers may collect money from a hundred candidates. It’s the highest bidder that they will give the stool to. That’s how they are doing it now.”
Prof. Abimbola recounted that Governor Makinde, concerned about the erosion of integrity in the traditional system, insisted on consulting the Ifa Oracle. Makinde reportedly said:
“If we do it according to the tradition, it would bring an appropriate result.”
On January 10, 2025, the governor approved Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin, citing consultations and divinations by the Oyomesi. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated:
“Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, was recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
However, the kingmakers, led by Bashorun Yusuf Akinade, have rejected the decision, labeling it illegal. They argued the process violated the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which mandates that the Bashorun convene meetings for the selection process.
In their statement through legal representative Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), the Oyomesi declared:
“Under the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, it is only the Bashorun of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi and kingmakers, that can summon a meeting of the kingmakers for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin.”
They also accused the government of convening an irregular meeting, saying:
“Any meeting of few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs held at the Governor’s office… to select the preferred candidate of the Governor as the new Alaafin is not only contrary to the native law and custom but unlawful, illegal, invalid, null, and void.”
As tensions rise, stakeholders await further clarity on the legality and cultural implications of the new Alaafin’s selection.
