Nine Oyo Princes Slam Alaafin Selection, Accuse Makinde Of Tradition Breach

Nine royal families in Oyo, collectively known as the Atiba 9, have rejected the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo, describing it as a breach of the revered traditions and customs of the ancient town.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family issued a statement on Tuesday criticising Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for presenting the staff of office to Owoade.

The princes argued that the governor’s decision was based on consultations by US-based Prof. Wande Abimbola, who claimed Ifa had selected Owoade for the throne.

According to the Atiba 9, the selection process disregarded the rule of law and deeply-rooted traditions, undermining the sanctity of the Alaafin’s stool.

They emphasised that their families, all with legitimate claims to the throne, are pursuing a court case challenging the process that led to the emergence of both Owoade and another contender, Lukman Gbadegesin.

Afolabi insisted that their objection was not personal but aimed at ensuring due process is followed.

“The Alaafin’s stool is too significant to Yoruba culture to be reduced to an ordinary kingship,” he said.

The group further warned that the current approach risks diminishing the authority and respect of the Alaafin among other Yoruba obas.

The Atiba 9 also called on the Oyomesi, led by Basorun Yusuf Akinade, to resolve internal disagreements and uphold their role as the legitimate body to oversee the selection of a new Alaafin.

They stressed that the integrity of the process must be restored to protect the throne’s dignity.