Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, absolved himself of blame in the delayed selection and appointment of Alaafin of Oyo, insisting that “he has no anointed candidate.”
The PUNCH reports that the revered stool became vacant in April 2022 after the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors at the age of 82 after reigning for 52 years.
Makinde, represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, made this clarification at the Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium, Ode Aremo in Oyo Town, while presenting the Part II Recognised Chieftaincy certificates to 12 baales, who are now lesser Obas in their different domains.
The 12 elevated Chiefs are Chief Olaniyi Adegboye III (Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oyo); Chief David Oyediran (Alaguo of Aguo, Oyo); Chief Samuel Odurinde (Alajagba of Ajagba, Oyo); Chief Isiaka Titiloye (Ona Isokun of Isokun, Oyo); Chief Salawu Oyeniran (Onigudugbu of Gudugbu, Oyo); Chief Jimoh Oyeleye (Alakeetan of Akeetan, Oyo).
Others include Chief Ganiyu Busari (Alago- Oja, Oyo); Chief Abel Oyekan (Elepe of Iseke);
Chief Oyeleke Isola (Onidode of Idode); Chief Tijani Okunshinde (Alapaara of Apaara 1);
Chief Adebisi Adebayo (Olotefon of Otefon, Oyo); and Chief Fakayode Alowonle (Onimeleke of Imeleke 1), Oyo.
They are now qualified to attend the meetings of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs at the Parliament Building, Government Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the commissioner said said, “I am assuming you people of Oyo town that Governor Makinde has no anointed candidate. God Himself, the Almighty knows. 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 Yorubaland, should have an Oba, who befits their historical status. And by so doing, he (Makinde) has no 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.”
On the Monday elevation, the commissioner said,”The importance of this chieftaincy is starting point of elevation to any height. What you are getting today is the beginning of good things that are coming to your domains. By the grace of God, some of you will be elevated to royal highnesses.
“This upgrade not only brings honour to your communities but also serves as a testament to our government’s continued support of our cultural heritage and traditional institutions.”
Makinde, therefore, charged the newly elevated chiefs to ensure that their domains were well secured and that any form of suspicious activity is reported promptly to the government.
“We believe that the traditional institutions play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in our communities.
As recognised chiefs, you are expected to work closely with the local and state government to ensure that our communities are safe and secure for all inhabitants. You should not give room to banditry, land grabbing and any form of terrorism in your domains,” he stated.
In attendance were some of the Oyomesi or kingmakers, who include the Iba Samu of Oyo, High Chief Lamidi Oyewàle; the Agbaakin of Oyo, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda; the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Chief Mukaila Afonja; the former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; the former Speaker of the House of Assembly during the administration of Late Adebayo Alao-Akala (Rt. Hon. Moroof Atilola); and the four local government Chairmen in Oyo Town (Akeem Olukitobi- Oyo West; Wahab Adetunji- Atiba; Sola Oluokun- Oyo East; and Olufemi Aikomo- Afijio), among many others.