Oyo Ruling Family Kicks Against As Kingmakers Pick Prince Gbadegesin As New Alaafin

The Ladigbolu ruling family of Oyo has expressed strong opposition to the selection of Prince Lukuman Gbadegesin as the new Alaafin, following the decision made by a faction of the Oyo kingmakers, also known as the Oyomesi.

The selection, which took place during a meeting on September 30, 2023, has been mired in controversy, as the family insists that the process was not conducted in accordance with traditional procedures.

The revered Alaafin stool became vacant on April 22, 2022, after the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died at the age of 81 after an illustrious 52-year reign.

The succession process has since been embroiled in legal disputes and political tension, particularly between the kingmakers and the Oyo State government.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Ladigbolu family, through its representative Akinade Ladigbolu, called for a fresh selection process, insisting that the decision to pick Prince Gbadegesin did not follow the proper protocols, particularly the traditional Ifa divination, which is central to the selection of a new Alaafin.

“We are also using this opportunity to warn those promoting lies against Governor Makinde and accusing him of employing delay tactics to subvert the will of the kingmakers to desist, and join the path of truth and stop anti-people’s move,” the family stated, defending the governor against allegations of meddling in the process.

The family further emphasized that the position of Alaafin of Oyo is too significant to Yorubaland to be determined by anything other than the traditional Ifa consultation, which all the princes had initially agreed upon.

“The position of Alaafin of Oyo is an important seat in Yorubaland. So, Yoruba all over the world should rise up and join in the battle against imposition, against Yoruba tradition which is a taboo,” the statement continued.

The Ladigbolu family warned that any deviation from tradition in the selection process could have long-term negative consequences, not only for the royal lineage but also for the entire Oyo community. They called on the Yoruba people to stand firm against any attempts to undermine their cultural heritage.

This development adds another layer to the ongoing crisis, as the state government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, had previously hinted at the possibility of initiating a fresh selection process, a move that was met with resistance from the Oyomesi due to the ongoing court case.