The Àtìbà 9 restated its position when members of the nine royal families visited the Alago Ọja, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Busari Ajiboye, on Wednesday.
This was contained in a release by the spokesperson of the Àtìbà 9, Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan Royal Family.
The Stool of the Alaafin of Oyo has remained vacant since the passage of the last occupant, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, in April 2022.
The Àtìbà 9 visited the Alago Ọja to solicit his support for the effort to ensure the implementation of the 1976 Chieftaincy Declaration in respect of the vacant Alaafin Stool.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives from the nine royal families, including: Princes Sina Afolabi (Adeitan); Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa); Lamola Olanite (Olanite) and Agboin Adelabu (Adelabu).
Others were Princes Raji Adediran (Adediran); Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun); Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode); Adesiyan (Adesiyan); Bello Rasheed (Abidekun); Tijani Olawoyin and Agbolagade Adejumo.
The Àtìbà 9 also stated that purpose of their visit was to request the assistance of the Alago Ọja in the implementation of the 1974 Ladehinde Commission of Enquiry.
By so doing, they said, it would pave the way for all the 11 royal families to participate in the process of selecting of the new Alaafin.
The nine children of Alaafin Àtìbà have variously expressed their disagreement with the defective 1961 Declaration, which was alleged to have been used to select the new Alaafin.
“During the meeting, the Alago Ọja, who betrothed Efunrogun, the mother of Adelabu Baba Ibadan, to Àtìbà, promised to support the sidelined royal families.
“He said he would use all legal means to help them overcome the obstacles preventing them from ascending to their ancestral throne.
“The Alago Ọja urged the nine descendants of Alaafin Àtìbà to remain steadfast and united in championing their common cause.
“He also emphasised that their victory would eventually bring unity to the ancient Oyo Kingdom and fulfill the dreams of all its inhabitants.
“The meeting concluded with a blessing for all the Àtìbà children who attended, as they continue their pursuit of justice and rightful representation in the selection of the new Alaafin,” it was stated in the release.
