IBADAN: Legal Battles Commence as Prince Gbadegesin Contests Alaafin’s Appointment

Prince Luqman Gbadegesin, a contender for the Alaafin of Oyo throne, has formally challenged the selection and recognition of Oba Akeem Owoade as the 46th Alaafin.

Gbadegesin argues that the process leading to Owoade’s emergence and subsequent presentation of the staff of office by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde contravened established laws and customs governing the ancient chieftaincy.

Governor Makinde presented the staff of office to Oba Owoade in Ibadan on Monday following a divination by renowned Ifa priest, Prof. Wande Abimbola. However, Gbadegesin, through his legal counsel Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, is disputing the legitimacy of the process.

In a pre-action notice addressed to the Oyo State government, Gbadegesin’s counsel argued that the recognition of Prince Owoade violated the Oyo State Chiefs’ Law of 2000 and the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, which grants the kingmakers (Oyomesi) the exclusive right to select the Alaafin.

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“By announcing a different candidate, the governor has usurped the powers of the Oyomesi, violating the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, which makes the Oyomesi the sole authority for the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo,” the notice read.

Gbadegesin also criticized the reliance on Ifa divination in the selection process, citing a December 2022 Oyo State High Court ruling.

“The governor’s alleged reliance on Ifa consultation contradicts the judgment of the Oyo State High Court of 19th December 2022, which declared Ifa consultation in the selection process unlawful because it is not contained in the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961,” the letter stated.

The counsel further dismissed allegations of bribery leveled against two Oyomesi members, calling them baseless and unsubstantiated. “The allegations of bribery by two Oyomesi members, raised over a year after the election, lack credibility and were not formally communicated to the governor or investigated,” the notice added.

Gbadegesin is asking the court to:
1. Set aside the appointment, approval, and presentation of the staff of office to Prince Owoade as Alaafin, deeming it unconstitutional, unlawful, and invalid.
2. Declare that Prince Luqman Gbadegesin was validly selected by the Oyomesi under the Chiefs’ Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, making his appointment lawful and proper.

The legal challenge adds a contentious layer to the ongoing debate over the Alaafin throne, a revered institution in Yoruba history and culture. Many observers believe the case could set a precedent for how traditional succession disputes are handled in the future.