Gov Makinde threatens legal action against Oyo kingmakers over selection of Alaafin

Some of the Oyo State’s kingmakers, popularly referred to as the Oyomesi, may be sued over fraud claims, according to Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde.

He did, however, say that if they asked Oba Akeem Owoade, the recently appointed Alaafin of Oyo, for forgiveness, he would think about pardoning them.

Makinde made these comments on Tuesday during the presentation of the Instruments of Office to the new Alaafin at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

The governor emphasized that while he had no prior personal connection with Oba Owoade, he believed that the kingmakers would be granted clemency if they genuinely approached the monarch for reconciliation.

“If they seek forgiveness from Kabiyesi, I am open to considering a pardon,” Makinde said, acknowledging the importance of restoring peace and resolving the tensions surrounding the matter.

Despite the potential for legal consequences, Makinde’s approach signals a willingness to resolve the issue through dialogue and understanding.

According to him, “Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them.

“The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.

He maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.

“The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.

“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.

“Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political considerations? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

“I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.

“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards the election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

“The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to the Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,”

Alaafin Akeem Owoade has pledged his commitment to the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large, vowing to focus on the development of the people.

In his first public address following his ascension to the throne, the newly installed monarch expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyomesi, and everyone who played a role in his selection as the Alaafin of Oyo.

“I will work diligently to ensure that Oyo and its people continue to thrive,” the Alaafin stated, thanking all those involved in his coronation process.

Earlier, Hon. Demola Ojo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, commended Governor Makinde for his dedication to following the proper protocols in the selection of the new Alaafin.

Ojo also extended his appreciation to those who contributed to the successful completion of the selection process.

The event saw the presence of key dignitaries, including Oyo State’s Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; and Member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto.

Other notable attendees included Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola, alongside several members of the Oyomesi and traditional rulers from the Oyo Kingdom.

Top government officials present included Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Joel Ajagbe.

In a show of respect for their new monarch, the Akesan market and other major markets in Oyo were closed for the day, marking the significance of the occasion.

For the ceremony, Prince Owoade was escorted to the town with an extensive security detail, including personnel from Operation Burst, the Police, Civil Defence, and the Western Security Network, also known as Amotekun.