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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde
Kingmakers in Oyo have urged Governor Seyi Makinde to desist from what they described as a “media trial” concerning the appointment of the new Alaafin of Oyo.
The kingmakers expressed their displeasure in a letter to the governor, signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju, SAN.
The signatories include High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo.
The kingmakers and the governor have been embroiled in a heated dispute over the selection of a new Alaafin.
Five out of seven Oyomesi members had recommended Luqman Gbadegesin for the role. However, on 10 January, Makinde approved Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin and presented him with the staff of office.
During the event, the governor declared that he would not allow the Alaafin stool to be politicised, adding that individuals who allegedly paid to destabilise the traditional institution in the state would face prosecution.
In their letter, the kingmakers stated, “We recognise Your Excellency’s right to defend your actions in court, given the ongoing legal challenge to your recent decision. However, we respectfully remind Your Excellency that the court is the appropriate forum for presenting evidence and arguments. The Oyomesi, in their respect for the high office of the Governor of Oyo State, have refrained from joining issues with you in the public arena. It is, therefore, disheartening that Your Excellency continues to make public statements that cast aspersions on their integrity.
“We urge Your Excellency to refrain from resorting to a trial by media or the court of public opinion in a bid to confer legitimacy on recent unlawful acts of the state under your command. If there is any evidence to support these allegations, we respectfully advise that they should be brought before the court, where they can be properly examined and addressed.
Publicly maligning the Oyomesi, who are custodians of tradition and highly respected in the Oyo Kingdom, undermines their reputation and the sanctity of the ongoing judicial process and is defamatory to our clients.”
They further emphasised their commitment to upholding the traditions and customs of the Oyo Kingdom, describing the public trial of their character as unwarranted and unbecoming of the high standards expected of the governor’s office.
“Please recognise that you remain liable to prosecution for the defamatory acts committed by you in office, for which you may be held accountable after your period of immunity is over,” they added.
