AS the search for who becomes the next Alaafin of Oyo intensifies following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April, an aspirant, Prince Adewale Aderemi Oladigbolu, has called on the Oyomesi to consider him for the stool.
He noted that he should be crowned the next king of Oyo based on his wealth of experience in cultural, traditional and contemporary issues.
This was just as Adewale, who noted that 48 eligible princes who were in the race from two ruling houses were not too many, charged the Oyomesi to see the contest not from the prism of how deep one’s “pocket is, but by what you have done and the little things that show what characters you possess, including the leadership roles you have held.”
Adewale, a pharmacist and current national chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), belongs to Agunloye Ruling House.
Speaking with newsmen on his intention, Adewale said, “I belong to the Agunloye ruling house. I am a bona-fide prince of the Oyo kingdom and entitled to the throne of the next Alaafin of Oyo.
“Culturally, I am very qualified. As a bona-fide prince, I know that my primary responsibility is to promote the culture of the Oyo people and the Yoruba race as a nation.
“Contemporarily, I have an edge over others. I have been trusted with power and have excelled in this capacity. Those who are close and have benefited from my wealth of experience will speak of me. They know of a truth, that I put the interest of my community far above my personal interest.”
Adewale pleaded with all contestants in the race to remain calm and hopeful on whom the Oyomesi would choose.
