Prince Gbadegesin Challenges Owoade’s Alaafin Appointment in Court
Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, a leading contender for the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo, has filed a legal challenge against the Oyo State Government’s proclamation of Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin.
In a suit filed on February 12, 2025, at the Oyo State High Court, Gbadegesin is requesting the court to reverse Owoade’s appointment, claiming it violates the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
Gbadegesin is also seeking an injunction to prevent Owoade from assuming the throne or performing any royal duties. Defendants listed in the suit include Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Attorney General of Oyo State, and several others. Gbadegesin has requested that these defendants be compelled to appear in court within 30 days.
The aggrieved prince, through his lawyer Kunle Sobaloju (SAN), argues that the governor’s approval of Owoade’s appointment, which occurred within five days of its presentation, was unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid. He maintains that he had been duly selected by the Oyomesi (kingmakers) as the rightful candidate for the throne, and seeks a court declaration affirming this nomination.
Gbadegesin contends that the announcement of Owoade as the new Alaafin by Governor Makinde violated due process in several areas, including the exclusion of the legitimate kingmakers. He further argues that his own nomination, selection, and proclamation by the Oyomesi were in line with the Chiefs Law and the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration.
The plaintiff is also requesting the court to order the Oyo State Governor to approve his appointment as the rightful candidate for the throne, as validly nominated by the Agunloye Ruling House and the kingmakers. Additionally, he seeks an injunction preventing recognition of Owoade as the Alaafin and stopping any payment of allowances or official stipends to him.
Gbadegesin is also asking the court to set aside the nomination, selection, and approval of Owoade’s appointment, as well as the presentation of the staff of office to him, arguing that the entire process was unlawful.
This suit follows a pre-action notice issued by Sobaloju to the Governor of Oyo State, asserting that the governor’s actions contravene the Oyo State Chiefs Law, 2000. Gbadegesin, who was recommended by a faction of the Oyomesi, is now seeking to have the governor’s decision annulled.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government and Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade have established committees to plan his coronation, which is scheduled for April 5.
