The nine children of Atiba Royal House have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State not to take any further action regarding the selection of a new Alaafin until the court case filed against the Chieftaincy Declaration of the Alaafin is resolved.
The Atiba Royal House families said that their request to the governor is to ensure that the process of selecting a new Alaafin is conducted in a transparent and just manner, as stipulated by the law.
The families made the appeal at a press conference held in Oyo Town on Saturday, May 6, 2023, on the issue of selecting and appointing a new Alaafin of Oyo.
The Royal house members present at the press conference included Prince Sina Afolabi, Adeitan Family; Prince Remi Azeez, Tella Okitipapa Family; Prince Lamola Olanite, Olanite Family; Prince Agboin Adelabu, Adelabu Family; Prince Raji Adediran, Adediran Family; Prince Nureni Taiwo, Tella Agbojulogun Family; Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan, Adesokan Baba Idode Family; Prince Adesiyan, Adesiyan Family; and Prince Bello Rasheed, Abidekun Family.
They said it would be unfair to appoint a new Alaafin while the court case is still pending.
The Alaafin stool became vacant after the death of its erstwhile occupant, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022, but the selection process for a new king became a subject of litigation as the nine ruling houses alleged Alowolodu and Ladigbolu Ruling Houses of marginalisation.
“It is important that the governor recognizes the significance of the traditional institution and ensures that a fair and just process is followed in selecting the next Alaafin,” children of the Atiba Royal House said.
They made it known that the press conference was necessitated by the recent development on social media and some sections of the print media which reported that Governor Makinde had approved and announced the appointment of a new Alaafin of Oyo.
The Royal House however said that it was pleasing to the heart that the rumour was debunked by the government authorities.
“The disclaimer by the Oyo State government notwithstanding, we, once again want to set the record straight to serve as a guide in the course of appointing a new occupant of the revered stool of our forefathers.”
The entire Royal Families in Alaafin Atiba Ruling House congratulated Governor Makinde for his resounding victory in the last governorship election in the state.
They said that the victory proved the love the people of the state has for him, adding that it pointed to his being adjudged to have performed creditably well during the first tenure.
“We are expressing our gratitude to Governor Makinde for his role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that traditional institutions are not politicised or manipulated for personal gain.
“It is refreshing to see that the governor is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the process of selecting a new Alaafin of Oyo. This is a clear indication of his unwavering commitment to good governance and the overall well-being of the people of our state.
“Moreover, the governor’s decision to reject the illegality in the selection process of the new Alaafin has shown that he is a leader who is not swayed by sentiments or personal interests. He has shown that he is willing to uphold the rule of law and ensure that due process is followed in all matters.
“We must commend Governor Makinde’s stance on fairness and due process in the selection process of the new Alaafin. This decision will not only restore the people’s confidence in the leadership of our state, but it will also serve as a deterrent to others who may want to circumvent the law for personal gains.
“We are using this opportunity to thank the governor for his commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in our state. We urge him to continue to prioritize the well-being of the people and always uphold the rule of law in all matters,” they stated.
Pointing out that the Chieftaincy Declaration is a document that outlines the hierarchy and procedures for the selection and appointment of traditional rulers in the state, they said “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 rule of law and promoting justice and equity in the state.
“It is essential that Governor Makinde prioritize 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.”
Continuing, they said: “Gentlemen of the press, it is time to put an end to the years of discrimination that has plagued the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo in the past.
“The nine Atiba children have been marginalised for too long, and it is only fair that they are given a chance to ascend the throne. We urge the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the nine Atiba Children.
“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. We cannot afford to have a flawed process that will only perpetuate the marginalization of nine out of the children of Alaafin Atiba.
“As a government that values justice and equality, we implore the governor to act in the interest of the people and uphold the findings of the competence commission of enquiry into the stool of Alaafin. This will not only promote equity and fairness but also help to foster unity and inclusiveness in the community.
“Therefore, we call on the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the marginalised Atiba Children and setting a precedent for future selection process.
“May God bless Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo Kindgom and the entire people of Oyo State.”
