•Charges Gov. Makinde to follow due process
Nine ruling houses have urged the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to follow due process in selecting new Alaafin of Oyo.
The ruling houses during a press conference with journalists on Saturday alleged that the nine families have been marginalized in the selection of new king for the Alaafin of Oyo Obaship stool.
Speaking on behalf of other ruling houses in Oyo town, Prince Ademola Adesina Afolabi who is from Adeitan ruling house urged the Oyo State government to maintain status quo and respect the autonomy of the traditional institution in the process of selecting a new Alaafin.
While shedding light on how marginalization against the nine Atiba ruling houses began, Afolabi noted that an enduring peace had always reigned among children of Alaafin Atiba on matter of succession to the throne until 1961 when Alaafin Gbagbadesein of the Agunloye rulling house allegedly made a declaration restricting the stool to only two houses and marginalized other nine houses.
According to him, the Western State Government led by Colonel Adeyinka Adebayo, constituted a panel of enquiry headed by Justice Ladeinde Adekunle, which recommended, in contrast to Gbadegesin’s declaration, that all children of Atiba have right to the throne. The recommendation was upheld by the 1976 Commission of Enquiry.
Afolabi revealed how one of the aggrieved, Prince Olaniite, approached a court on the implementation of year 2001 gazette but was shock to know that “there are no gazette of 2001, no white paper regarding that, to which until he started applying now that we get to know that there is a judgment resisting the government to make any amendments.” He revealed that other 8 aggrieved Atiba ruling families have joined Olaniite family in the suit.
Meanwhile, while advising the governor, Afolabi said that it is important the governor recognizes the significance of traditional institution and ensure that a fair and just process is followed in selecting the next Alaafin.
He said: “the chieftaincy declaration is a document that outlines the hierarchy and procedures for the selection and appointment of traditional rulers in the state. It is crucial that these guidelines are adhered to, and any decision regarding the appointment of an Alaafin is made based on the provisions of this declaration.
“Therefore, it is important for Governor Makinde to maintain the status quo and respect the autonomy of the traditional institution until the court case is resolved. This will not only ensure a smooth transition process but also serve as a testament to the governor’s commitment to upholding the ruling of law and promoting justice and equity in the state.
“It is essential that Governor Makinde prioritizes the resolution of the court case before any action is taken with regard to the appointment of a new Alaafin. This will ensure that the process is transparent, fair and just as required by the law”, he said.
The aggrieved ruling houses therefore urged the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the nine Atiba children, noting that they have been marginalized for too long.
He continued: “the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy has been found to have a defective process, and it is crucial that equity and justice are upheld in the selection of the new Alaafin.
“Therefore, we call on the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the marginalized Atiba children and setting a precedent for future selection process”, Afolabi added.
