The long-standing Alaafin of Oyo succession battle has taken a legal turn as Prince Ismaila Olamilekan Owoade, a contender for the prestigious stool, has dragged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and 19 others to court, alleging an unlawful selection process that excluded him.
Owoade is contesting the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as Alaafin, arguing that the selection violated traditional and legal procedures outlined in the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and the Chiefs Law of Oyo State 2000.
Legal Showdown: The Case Against the Governor and Traditional Leaders
Filed before Justice Jimoh Adesina of the Oyo State High Court, the suit challenges the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade and Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin, who Owoade claims were installed without the statutory involvement of the Baba Iyaji, the key figure in presenting candidates for the throne.
The claimant seeks:
1. A court order restraining Prince Abimbola Owoade and Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin from parading themselves as Alaafin of Oyo.
2. The nullification of Prince Abimbola Owoade’s appointment and staff of office presentation, declaring it illegal and unconstitutional.
3. A directive compelling Governor Makinde and other authorities to follow due process, allowing Baba Iyaji to present the rightful candidate.
Owoade insists that the entire process ignored the traditional role of Baba Iyaji, violating the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, which mandates that he conduct a screening of eligible princes and present the best-qualified candidate to the Kingmakers (Oyo Mesi).
Aside from Governor Makinde, the lawsuit names 19 other defendants, including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oyo State, Prince Abimbola Owoade (4th defendant), Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin (5th defendant), Prince Yusuf Layinka (Basorun of Oyo), Chief Mukaila Afonja (Baba Iyaji of Oyo), Several high-ranking Oyo chiefs and Atiba Local Government
Alleged Breaches in the Selection Process
In his statement of claim, Prince Owoade highlights key irregularities:
1. Baba Iyaji’s Exclusion: The 12th defendant, Chief Mukaila Afonja (Baba Iyaji), was reportedly sidelined, despite his legally mandated role in presenting the most qualified candidates.
2. Violation of Traditional Laws: The appointment did not comply with the provisions of the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and the Chiefs Law of Oyo State 2000.
3. Lack of Transparency: Owoade argues that a proper screening among applicants was never conducted.
The Claimant’s Prayer to the Court
Prince Owoade is seeking several legal remedies, including A restraining order preventing Prince Abimbola Owoade and Prince Lukman Gbadegesin from acting as Alaafin, a court order nullifying the selection process, stating it did not follow due process, a directive for Governor Makinde and the Oyo Mesi to restart the selection process under Baba Iyaji’s supervision, an injunction stopping any further steps to confirm or install the appointed Alaafin, pending the case’s resolution.
What the Law Says: The Role of Baba Iyaji
The Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 outlines a strict process for selecting an Alaafin:
1. The Baba Iyaji must conduct a transparent screening among princes of the ruling house.
2. He then selects the best-qualified candidate in consultation with the ruling house.
3. The Baba Iyaji presents the chosen candidate and other contenders to the Kingmakers (Oyo Mesi) for final approval.
Prince Owoade argues that this critical step was skipped, making the entire process illegitimate.
Tensions Rising: The Ongoing Battle for the Alaafin Throne
The Alaafin of Oyo throne has remained vacant since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022.
Several princes have vied for the position, but the process has been marred by controversy, legal battles, and political influence.
A Second Legal Battle Looms
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin has also filed a separate legal challenge against the appointment of the present Alaafin, further complicating the succession process.
With the hearing scheduled for March 11, 2025, all eyes will be on the Oyo State High Court as the legal battle for the throne unfolds.
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