After  two-year wait since Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III’s death in 2022, Governor Makinde just named Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin.

Due to claims of bribery during the choosing of the new Alaafin, the Oyomesi, Oyo’s traditional kingmakers, are taking a firm stand against Governor Seyi Makinde and have threatened legal action. They demand proof to support their claims that the governor’s remarks are defamatory and harm their reputation.

They demand proof to support their claims that the governor’s remarks are defamatory and harm their reputation.

When Makinde introduced Owoade to the office personnel on January 13, 2024, the announcement was formally made.

Governor Makinde made it clear at the coronation ceremony that anyone found to have received bribes during the selection process would be held legally responsible and subject to repercussions.

We will not spare anyone who attempted to undermine our Oyo tradition. Unless they go back to Kabiyesi (the monarch) to ask for forgiveness, the government would make sure they are subject to the law,” he stated. “I will likewise forgive them if Kabiyesi does.” In a letter to the governor, the Oyomesi, who included High Chief Yusuf Akínade of Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele of Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf of Akinniku of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau of Alapinní of Oyo, all expressed their displeas. The letter was signed by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), their legal representative.

“Curbing Public Statements Maligning The Integrity Of The Oyomesi” is the title of the letter, which was sent to the state governor on January 14, 2025. The statement states, “We are solicitors to High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka (Bashorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele Oyedepo (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (warrant chief representing Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau K. (warrant chief representing Alapinni of Oyo), who will henceforth referred to as “our clients.”On their direction, we are writing to convey our profound concern over the constant public pronouncements coming from your office about alleged bribery involving Oyomesi members.

“Given the pending legal challenge to your recent judgment, we acknowledge Your Excellency’s right to defend your actions in court. Nonetheless, we humbly remind Your Excellency that the proper venue for presenting arguments and evidence is the court.The Oyomesi have avoided bringing up issues with you in public out of respect for the lofty position of Oyo State Governor. Therefore, it is discouraging that Your Excellency keeps making remarks in public that call into question their honesty.In an attempt to legitimize recent illegal state actions under your direction, we implore Your Excellency to forgo a trial by the media or a court of public opinion.

“If there is any evidence to support these allegations, we respectfully advise that it should be brought before the court, where it can be properly examined and addressed. Publicly maligning the Oyomesi, who are custodians of tradition and highly respected in the Oyo Kingdom, undermines not only their reputation but also the sanctity of the ongoing judicial process and defamatory of our clients.

“Our clients have always maintained their integrity and remain committed to upholding the traditions and customs of the Oyo Kingdom. The continued attempt at public trial of their character is unwarranted and unbecoming of the high standards expected of Your Excellency’s office.

“Please recognize that you remain liable to prosecution for the defamatory acts committed by you in office, for which you may be held accountable after your period of immunity is over.”

“We kindly urge Your Excellency to exercise restraint in this matter and allow the courts to resolve the issues before them. The Oyomesi remain steadfast in their respect for the rule of law and the dignity of your esteemed office, and we hope that this expected mutual respect will guide all further actions in this matter,” it adds.