KINGMAKERS CHALLENGE MAKINDE'S ACTION OVER ALAAFIN STOOL SELECTION. (PHOTO).

 Kingmakers Challenge Makinde's Action Over Alaafin Stool Selection

Five prominent kingmakers in Oyo have criticized Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to initiate a new selection process for the vacant Alaafin stool, describing the move as illegal and dismissive of judicial proceedings.

The kingmakers—High Chief Yusuf Akinade (Bashorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (acting for Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (acting for Alapinni of Oyo)—expressed their concerns in a letter to the governor, signed by their lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju, SAN.

They accused the governor, through the Oyo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, of appointing new warrant kingmakers—Chief Odurinde Olusegun Alajagba and Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye—in an alleged attempt to override the existing selection process. The kingmakers argued that this action undermines the majority's selection of Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect.

Highlighting the ongoing court case regarding the matter, the kingmakers stated that initiating a new process is sub judice and reflects a disregard for the legal system. They likened the situation to a prior incident where the governor dissolved elected local government chairmen despite pending litigation, a move later condemned by the Supreme Court as executive overreach.

In their statement to the press, the kingmakers urged Governor Makinde to reconsider his decision, halt the new selection process, and respect the rule of law to uphold judicial integrity.