The Royal Rumble in the ancient town of oyo is getting tougher, and the two parties are seriously defending their claims over the real identity of princes.
The narration of prince Adeniyi ladigbolu revealed that Alaafin Oba Siyanbola Ladigbolu currently has four grandsons who are alive, and one of them must be chosen as the next ruler. The process of selecting the new Alaafin is in disarray due to self-centeredness among those involved. The Oyo kingmakers known as Oyomesi have displayed a limited perspective in consulting the oracle. The ruling House next in line is facing division over the biased methods used in choosing the monarch. Certain factions are adamant that it would be improper to bypass the five identifiable biological grandsons of the late Alaafin Ladigbolu. They stress the importance of considering the living grandsons of the late Alaafin Siyanbola Oladigbolu as potential candidates for the role.
Prince Adeniyi Ladigbolu asserts that there are indeed four grandsons of Oba Ladigbolu, and this fact can not be ignored. If the kingmakers decide to consult an oracle, these four princes should be given priority. This is the stance that should be upheld, no more and no less.
- Prince Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu
- Prince Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu
- Prince Amidu Ladigbolu
- Prince Sanni Kolade Oladigbolu
Prince Adeniyi, representing the Ladigbolu family, emphasized that these princes require no introductions as they are widely recognized. Any consultation with the oracle that does not involve these names will be disregarded. Even the esteemed Chief Priest, Professor Abimbola, can not refute our assertion and insist on the Ladigbolu family.
On the other hand, a different faction of the family expressed their perspective, stating that the Basorun of Oyo selected the new Alaafin a year ago. They are perplexed by the ongoing discussions and maintained that the legal cases are unresolved. Therefore, their candidacy remains valid until a court ruling. The spokesperson clarified that the oracle has never designated an Alaafin in the past. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Oba Bello Gbadegesin were not chosen by the oracle.
Alaafin Raji Adeniran was not chosen through the Ifa consultation process. Oba Siyanbola Oladigbolu succeeded his father, Alaafin Lawani Agogo-Ija, without seeking Ifa’s guidance. Alaafin Abdul Rahman Adelu Agunloye took the throne after Alaafin Saliu Atiba Atobatele passed away. Since the seventeenth century, the Oracle has not been involved in selecting Alaafins due to the end of direct hereditary succession. The decision-making process has always been influenced by connections and influence. Prominent figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Kofo Abayomi, Chief Bolaji Bank Anthony, Chief Ajose Adeogun, Chief Odutola, and Chief Oyedele Asamu played significant roles in the ascension of the late Lamidi Adeyemi, all of whom were loyal to Lamidi’s father, Alaafin Adeniran. Those advocating for Oracle consultation are unlikely to succeed, as the true power brokers are the ones who historically choose Alaafins, not Ifa. Even the Chief Priest, Professor Wande Abimbola, knows that it is the influential figures who have the final say in such matters. The perspective of this faction differs significantly from others.
