The Basorun of Oyo and Head of Oyo Mesi, High Chief Yussuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka 1, has insisted that the next Alaafin of Oyo will be chosen by Ifa and not any voting or selection process.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Bode Durojaiye, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo.
there can be no rancour since the selection would be done by Ifa.
He said, “The attention of the Oyo Traditional Council, known as the Oyo Mesi, has been drawn to a publication in the City People Magazine, headlined —ALAAFIN STOOL: CONCERNED STAKEHOLDERS RAISE ALARM OVER PERCEIVED FOUL PLAY AND NEGLECT OF TRADITION, and published on the 30th of September, 2022.
The said publication was said to be misleading, malicious and did not truly reflect what actually transpired at the meeting of Oyo Mesi held on 28th of September, 2022.
In his reaction, the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yussuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka 1, who restated his commitment to uphold justice and fairness in the choice of a new Alaafin, insisted that IFA consultation and not voting in whatever form will determine who will be the next King.
According to him, “Irrespective of wicked lies, misinformation, rumours and insinuations milling around, I, the Basorun of Oyo remain undaunted, but focused, determined and devoted to the cause of progress, unity and the development of our town.
“It is indeed unfortunate that a section of the media have turned themselves into junkyards for spent forces whose sticks I trade is fanning embers of civil strife in order to feather their nests.
“I also commend other media that have not thrown professionalism to the dogs, but are really practising responsible journalism. I enjoin these reliable media to keep up the reputable standard and not to rely on information from either the social media or bloggers”, he added.
Concerning the Oyo Mesi, the Basorun said, “We are one and indivisible. Where did they get the unsubstantiated information that we are in disarray. Over what? It is the handwork of the spent forces who do not wish us well.
“It is true that all of us held a meeting in my house, and it was inconclusive. We will still reconvene again. All the members were not only in good terms, but embraced one another, even cracking jokes, after the meeting devoid of rancour and ill feelings. So, it is strange and disturbing to read in one media the spurious report that the Oyo Mesi were in disarray over which method to adopt in the choice of the new Alaafin”, he insists.
