Alaafin Stool: Gbadegesin Challenges Court to Nullify Oba Owoade’s Appointment

Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, one of the key contenders for the Alaafin of Oyo throne, has taken legal action to challenge the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. Gbadegesin is asking the court to annul the appointment and the presentation of the staff of office to Owoade by Governor Seyi Makinde.

In his legal suit, Gbadegesin, who was favored by the majority of the Oyo State Kingmakers (Oyomesi) as the next Alaafin, is requesting the court to overturn the governor’s actions, which he argues violate the Oyo State Chiefs’ Law of 2000.

A pre-action notice, signed by his attorney, Adekunle Sobaloju, SAN, was sent to Governor Makinde, accusing the governor of overstepping his authority by making a different selection for the Alaafin’s position. The notice asserts that the governor’s actions are in direct contradiction with the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, which designates the Oyomesi as the sole authority in selecting the Alaafin.

“By announcing a different candidate, the Governor has usurped the powers of the Oyomesi, violating the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, which designates the Oyomesi as the sole authority for selecting the Alaafin,” the letter reads. “The Governor’s reliance on Ifa consultation contradicts the ruling of the Oyo State High Court on December 19, 2022, which declared Ifa consultation in the selection process unlawful, as it is not provided for in the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.”

The notice also addressed allegations of bribery by two Oyomesi members, which emerged more than a year after the selection process. Gbadegesin’s legal team argues that these allegations were not formally communicated to the governor or properly investigated, and therefore should not be used to justify the selection of Owoade.

Gbadegesin is seeking an order from the court to set aside the appointment and presentation of the staff of office to Prince Akeem Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo. He argues that the process, as carried out by the governor, is “unlawful, unconstitutional, invalid, null and void.” Gbadegesin further seeks a declaration that he was the validly selected candidate for the throne, as chosen by the Oyomesi, in accordance with the Oyo State Chiefs’ Law of 2000 and the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.

The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for the selection process of traditional rulers in Oyo State, particularly regarding the role of the governor versus the traditional kingmakers.