Nine families from the Atiba ruling house have rejected the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo, citing irregularities in the selection process.
The families, collectively known as the “Atiba 9,” claim the appointment disregarded the custom, culture, and traditions of the Oyo Kingdom. They further alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of Owoade as the Alaafin-designate undermined the revered throne.
In a statement signed by Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan family, the group argued that the process violated the rule of law and ridiculed the significance of the Alaafin Stool. Other signatories included princes Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa), Lamola Olanite (Olanite), Agboin Adelabu (Adelabu), Raji Adeniran (Adeniran), Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun), Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode), Adesiyan (Adesiyan), and Bello Rasheed (Abidekun).
Although the group acknowledged that Prince Owoade and another contestant, Prince Ridwan Gbadegesin, were legitimate candidates, they insisted the process that produced Owoade was flawed.
“We respect the individuals of Omooba Owoade and Omooba Gbadegesin, but the process that brought them forward as candidates and subsequently selected Omooba Owoade is unacceptable,” the group said.
The Atiba 9 emphasized that the selection process must follow the customs and traditions of the Oyo royal houses, which they claim were disregarded. They highlighted that Owoade was proclaimed Alaafin in Ibadan, bypassing the traditional rituals performed at the Ipebi in Oyo.
“It is inappropriate for an Alaafin to be anointed outside Oyo, especially in the governor’s office in Ibadan,” Afolabi remarked. “This act reduces the Alaafin’s stool to an object of ridicule and diminishes its authority among Yoruba obas.”
The group also called for the resolution of disagreements within the Oyo Mesi, the kingmakers of the Alaafin Stool, urging them to unite and oversee a transparent selection process.
“Basorun and other members of the Oyo Mesi must resolve their differences to avoid further complications in selecting the next Alaafin,” Afolabi added.
The Atiba 9 have vowed to pursue their case in court, seeking to nullify the appointment and ensure adherence to established customs. They warned that the current approach could result in a loss of respect for the Alaafin from other Yoruba traditional rulers.
“Our concern is not about the individual selected but about ensuring that whoever emerges does so in accordance with our traditions and the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
