From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Nine royal families, who are direct descendants of the Abiodun Atiba ruling house in Oyo Kingdom, have said 11 royal families have rights to occupy the throne of Alaafin of Oyo.
The disclosure was made during a press conference at Akinmorin in Oyo, in which they told the Oyo State Government to halt the ongoing selection process of a new Alaafin.
The stool of Alaafin became vacant on Friday April 22 when its past occupier, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, joined his ancestors. The process of selecting new king has reached an advance stage. The kingmakers are expected to conclude interviews with all the 86 contestants for the throne, who are all from Agunloye Ruling House, on Thursday September 15, 2022.
Prince Ademola Adesina Afolabi, from Adeitan Royal House, who spoke on behalf of the families, said: “Out of 11 royal families, two are benefitting from the stool, while nine others have been sidelined. Based on this, we appeal to the government to discontinue the process of selection of the new Alaafin. We also appeal to the state government to allow the ongoing cases in court to be concluded before choosing or continuing with the process of the selection of the new Alaafin.
“For these reasons we seek for the discontinuation of the processes. This press conference is meant to bring to the notice of government that there are matters in court. If the government is indeed following the rule of law in the process. we want fairness, equity and justice in the selection of the new Alaafin.”
He gave the names of the nine families to include Princes Makanjuola Adediran (Adediran-Ese Apata); Adebowale Adesiyan (Adesiyan); Adediwura Lamola (Olanite); and Adetunji Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode).
He also listed Princes Agboin Olayiwola (Adelabu Baba Ibadan); Ademola Adesina Afolabi (Adeitan); Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa); Adekunle Bello (Iteade Abidekun); and Tella Agbojulogun (Agbojulogun).