The tension surrounding the succession of the Alaafin of Oyo has deepened as one of the ruling houses in Oyo has expressed a complete loss of confidence in the current members of the Oyomesi (the kingmakers). The ruling house, represented by Pa Tiamiyu Oladigbolu, has voiced its frustration with the conduct of the kingmakers, accusing them of betraying the sanctity of the Alaafin’s stool and reducing the process of selecting the next monarch to a disgraceful affair.
Speaking on behalf of the ruling house, Pa Tiamiyu lamented the betrayal of the throne by the Oyomesi, especially citing the actions of the Baba Iyaji, who was once regarded as a key figure in the preservation of the traditional processes of Alaafinship succession.
“We have lost respect for the current members of the Oyomesi. They have disgraced our fathers’ throne, and the whole world is watching us as if we are not serious people,” Pa Oladigbolu stated. “None of the chiefs can be trusted anymore. What we clamor for now is that only the government can intervene, and we will not oppose whatever decision Governor Makinde makes. Both factions of the Oyomesi are a disgrace to society.”
Pa Oladigbolu also raised concerns about external influences, claiming that a certain female politician has been manipulating the Oyomesi, particularly the Baba Iyaji, to serve her interests in the succession process. He accused the politician of working behind the scenes, making financial inducements, and giving false assurances to the kingmakers about securing favorable outcomes at the government level without Governor Makinde’s knowledge.
“There is a politician among them who is giving them instructions, assuring them of a soft landing with the government. She swore she had no interest in the Alaafin’s stool, but her actions tell another story. Her power to control the kingmakers is alarming,” Pa Oladigbolu added.
He further dismissed claims that Ifa consultations had been genuinely conducted in the selection process, calling it a farce and accusing certain factions of presenting fake oracle consultations with names unconnected to the royal lineage.
“We have seen the list of unscrupulous consultations submitted by the Baba Iyaji. Two strange names on that list have no connection to the throne. One name comes from the Baba Iyaji’s quarter, and another from the female politician,” Pa Oladigbolu revealed. “We have lost confidence in all of them.”
The ruling house is now calling for Governor Seyi Makinde to take decisive action by thoroughly reviewing the list of contenders for the Alaafin’s throne and selecting a new monarch based on merit and fairness. Pa Oladigbolu emphasized that this is the only way to prevent a potential crisis—both physical and spiritual—stemming from the ongoing debacle.
“The governor of Oyo State must, without delay, take charge of the process, review the background of the contenders, and announce a qualified prince as the next Alaafin. That is the only way to avoid both physical and spiritual attacks,” he said.
The ruling house also pointed to the new law passed by the Oyo State General Assembly last year, which grants the governor autonomous power to select traditional rulers from the ruling house. They believe this law will provide the necessary peace and stability after the announcement of a new Alaafin.
In a final remark, Pa Oladigbolu took a jab at the Basorun of Oyo, Chief Yusuff Ayoola, for claiming that he represented the Ifa oracle, saying the Basorun had merely played a political game to favor his preferred candidate.
“The real oracle we believe in now is Governor Makinde. He is impartial, has no candidate, and is the true oracle in this matter. Any other consultation involving anyone from Oyo is biased, and we have lost respect for all of them,” Pa Oladigbolu concluded.
The Alaafin succession process, which has already been fraught with controversy, now awaits further steps from Governor Makinde to restore peace and order in the selection of the next monarch of Oyo.
