VANGUARD
IBADAN — IN the olden days, the IFA oracle was accorded much respect in the scheme of things in West Africa especially in Yoruba land.
The deity was regarded as an ‘encyclopaedia of knowledge’ that knows virtually everything. That’s why they called the deity, the oracle of divination.
So, when issues become so knotty and the future appears precarious, Ifa adherents regularly consult the oracle to know which way to go simply because the deity is considered a custodian of wisdom and intellectual development.
No serious decision, especially the selection of a king, is taken without recourse to this deity. No one says anything contrary after Ifa has spoken.
But, as modernity gains a better part of human life, the influence of this deity is waning every passing moment. Though, the deity is still being worshipped by its faithful and accorded due honour, human beings of this generation have been proving to be more knowledgeable than this deity.
This plays out in the selection of a new Alaafin of Oyo in the ancient Oyo town.
Unlike what obtained in the past when a vacant stool occasioned by the death of one Alaafin would be filled some days after, it is almost three years now since Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 joined his ancestors, everything about the choice and installation of his successor is still shrouded in mystery.
Though the Ifa oracle has spoken loudly through some kingmakers, known as Oyo Mesi, other members of the kingmakers are crying foul over the process adopted.
Division among kingmakers started the controversy
Out of the seven-member Oyo Mesi, including Bashorun of Oyo, Chief Yusuf Akinade, Samu, Agbaakin, Akinniku, and Lagunna and two warrant officers, the Alapo and Aare Ago, two prominent members took exception to the announcement by the Bashorun who said Prince Adelodun Gbadegesin had been picked by the kingmakers as Oba Adeyemi’s successor.
After the name had been sent to Governor Seyi Makinde, Samu and Agbaakin faulted the selection process.
They accused Bashorun of single-handedly bringing in the warrant officers into the council, an allegation that Bashorun dismissed.
Bashorun, however, advised the opposing voices in the council to be wary of fifth columnists.
We must respect Ifa oracle’s voice—Agunloye family
An interested group, the Agunloye Royal Family, Isale Oja, in Oyo, has stressed that consultation with the Ifa oracle is non-negotiable.
Agunloye through Prince Siyanbola Tella insisted that the Oyo kingmakers, also known as Oyo Mesi, are aware of the delay in installing a new Alaafin.
Prince Tella and other members of the Agunloye youths faulted alleged several attempts to force Governor Makinde into accepting what they termed “a product of illegality as an outcome of a selection process that failed to comply with due process.”
The youths said: “The integrity of our traditions must be preserved. Governor Makinde has consistently demonstrated respect for our customs, and we trust him to resist any attempt to undermine the Ifa divination process.
“Governor Makinde has reiterated his dedication to respecting the traditional procedures, reinforcing that his administration will not support any actions that deviate from established practices and that’s all we are also demanding. We, therefore, do not know: who is afraid of the Ifa oracle.
“This ifa divination from the foundation of the Oyo kingdom is always conducted publicly by an Ifa priest whose family has the sole responsibility in our traditional system to perform the task in the presence of the people of Oyo.
“Where and when then, did the Ifa priest carry out the divination for the emergence of anybody being paraded? It is this illegality that the governor rejected and directed the Oyo kingmakers to correct, that’s all, and that is exactly what we also demand.
“We’re very sad and bewildered that for whatever personal reasons or gains, as the case may be, those advocating for the sustenance of this illegality, knowing the dictates of our ancestral tradition and customs in the selection of a new Alaafin, would hold the entire Oyo kingdom back in terms of development, progress, and traditional governance for this long by not following simple due process.
“We have only demanded one thing and that is in alliance with the position of Governor Makinde for strict adherence to due process by adopting Ifa divination as the only process of selecting a new Alaafin. Whoever emerges among the princes aspiring for the throne would receive all our blessings and approval.
“However, it is because they know what they are doing and making the process look like politics where the moneybags would turn the process into a political election. We want to appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde, to wade in on this needless delay so that Oyo can have its king to govern its traditional affairs.”
Makinde has no anointed candidate —State govt
A former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olayiwola Olusegun stood in defense of Governor Makinde.
Olusegun said: “The governor never thought of it. To him, Oyo which is the cradle of Yoruba Land, with the Alaafin who is the Head of Obas throughout Yoruba Land, should have an Oba who befits their historical status. By so doing, he has no preferred candidate.”
Litigation delaying emergence of new Alaafin—Gov Makinde
Even though there are insinuations that there is government interference, the state government through a Commissioner, said: “I am assuring you people of Oyo town that Governor Seyi has no anointed candidate.
“The process for installation of a new Alaafin would have been concluded but for the case instituted at the Appeal Court. I am therefore assuring you that sooner than later, the whole issue will be resolved.”
OyoMesi have final say— Prince Afonja
When contacted on the delay, the head of all princes, Prince Mukaila Afonja told Vanguard that he has played his part adding that the onus now lies on the Oyo Mesi.
Afonja said: “The delay is not from me. I have carried out my responsibility. It’s now in the hands of the Oyo Mesi.
“We don’t like the delay too. We have done our job.”
I have no comment—Bashorun Akinade
Reacting to the claims that the ball is now in the court of Oyo Mesi, the head of the kingmakers, Bashorun of Oyo, Chief Yusuf Akinade noted that since the matter has been taken to court, he would not make any comments until the court gives its judgment.
He said: “You know the issue is in court. I will not make any comments for now. I will not talk to any paper until the case is decided by the court. Thank you.”
Meanwhile, some residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reiterated that the choice of a new Alaafin had never been this complicated noting the political undertone brought into the matter is responsible for the split among the kingmakers.
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