PUNCH
The selection of a new Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom has been marred by controversy and delays. Despite the kingmakers, known as the Oyo Mesi, presenting a choice to the government, the process has stalled due to legal disputes, causing anxiety in the kingdom, writes OLASUNKANMI AKINLOTAN
April 22, 2024 makes it exactly two years since one of the most respected monarchical stools in Nigeria became vacant, following the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. The continuous delay in the installation of a new monarch has been raising dust, considering the sanctity of the stool in the traditional institution in the country.
Oba Adeyemi, the longest-serving Alaafin in the history of the Oyo kingdom, died in April 2022 at the age of 83, after a 51-year reign.
Upon his demise, efforts were made by the kingmakers, known as Oyo Mesi, to nominate and install a new monarch. The Alaafin’s stool rotates between two ruling houses in the Oyo Kingdom, the Agunloye and Alowolodu ruling houses. The immediate past king was from the latter, which means that the Agunloye ruling house will produce the next Alaafin.
According to the Oyo tradition and the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, which is the law governing the process of succession, the Baba Iyaji, who is the head of all the princes in Oyo, will present the list of interested princes to the Oyo Mesi and the list will be received by the head of the kingmakers, the Bashorun, after which he will convene a decision meeting after screening.
The decision meeting, to be witnessed by government officials, features a consensus or voting where there is a plurality of choices. After a decision has been made, the Bashorun will then communicate the kingmakers’ choice to the local government in writing.
According to multiple sources in the Oyo kingdom, who spoke with The PUNCH, the process has been completed since October 2022, when the Oyo Mesi chose a prince by consensus and forwarded the decision to the Oyo State Government.
