Oyo Plans Fresh Selection Process For Alaafin

The Oyo State government has commenced a fresh process in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo.

There has been a crisis over the selection of the new paramount ruler after the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on April 22, 2022.

There has been a legal battle over the selection of the new monarch among the kingmakers of the ancient town.

Kingmakers in Oyo town, otherwise known as the Oyomesi in Council, had in a suit marked HOY/38/2023 before the Oyo State High Court, ought to restrain Governor Seyi Makinde from rejecting Prince Lukuman Gbadegesin, whom they said they unanimously selected at a September 30, 2023 meeting.

The suit has led to a stand-off between the kingmakers and the governor.

Investigations by Punch correspondent revealed that the state government had ordered a fresh selection process to ensure that the right person emerged as the new monarch.

Unconfirmed reports also added that the government wanted to announce the next Alaafin, shortly after some Oyo Mesi (kingmakers) visited Governor Seyi Makinde a few days ago.