In a stunning turn of events, a heated controversy has engulfed the selection process for the next Alaafin of Oyo, as nine prominent royal families raise their voices against their exclusion.
These families, who lay claim to the prestigious throne, are now demanding transparency and fairness, alleging that their rights have been disregarded, News About Nigeria reports.
The revered Alaafin of Oyo stool has remained vacant since the passing of the esteemed 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Atanda Olayiwola Adeyemi III, a year ago.
Amidst great anticipation, 119 aspirants were initially shortlisted for consideration. However, shockingly, only 57 candidates were granted interviews, leaving many questions unanswered about the selection process.
The exclusion of the nine royal families came to light when a letter, purportedly from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in conjunction with Atiba Local Government, directed the Baba Iyaji, the head of princes in Oyo, to solely consider the Agunloye ruling house.
This directive has sparked an uproar among the sidelined families, who firmly believe that their rights to the throne have been unjustly denied.
In a joint effort to rectify what they perceive as a grave injustice, the nine royal families have appealed to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene and suspend the appointment of a new monarch until a pending court case is resolved.
Their plea emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and preserving the autonomy of the traditional institution during this delicate period of transition.
During a press conference held in Akinmorin town near Oyo, the families spoke passionately about the need for a transparent and equitable process.
They called for the resolution of the court case challenging the selection process before any further steps are taken. By doing so, they argue, the process will regain its integrity, ensuring a fair and just outcome.
The families made a heartfelt appeal to Governor Makinde, urging him to make history by selecting the new Alaafin from among the nine Atiba children.
This decision, they believe, would break the chains of historical discrimination and set a precedent for future selection processes, fostering inclusivity and fairness.
Moreover, the families are requesting that the court declare the 1976 report as the sole legal instrument for selecting a new Alaafin.
They argue that such a declaration would restore equity and justice to the process and prevent the perpetuation of marginalization against the Atiba children.
As the families press forward in their quest for justice, the fate of the new Alaafin remains uncertain.
The Oyo community anxiously awaits a resolution to this contentious issue, while all eyes remain fixed on Governor Makinde, anticipating his response and hoping for a fair and unbiased selection process that upholds the principles of justice and respects the rights of all the royal families involved.
