Nine children of the Atiba Royal House have urged Governor ‘Seyi Makinde not to appoint a new traditional ruler for Oyo Town pending the judgment on a suit filed on the matter.
The nine children of the Atiba Royal House stated this while addressing a press conference in Oyo, on Saturday, on the issue of selection and appointment of a new Alaafin.
They requested Governor Makinde to refrain from taking any further action on the selection of a new Alaafin until the court case that has been filed against the Chieftaincy Declaration of the Alaafin is resolved.
The Alaafin stool became vacant following the demise of the past occupant, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on 22 April, 2022.
The selection process has since then became a subject of litigation as the nine ruling houses joined forces against an alleged marginalisation by the Alowolodu and Ladigbolu Ruling Houses.
The nine children of the Atiba Royal House present at the press conference included Princes Sina Afolabi (Adeitan Family); Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa Family); Lamola Olanite (Olanite Family); and Agboin Adelabu (Adelabu Family).
Others were Princes Raji Adediran (Adediran Family); Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun Family); Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode Family); Adesiyan (Adesiyan Family); and Bello Rasheed (Abidekun Family).
Speaking on behalf of others, Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan Family said the press was necessitated by a recent media report that Governor Makinde has approved and announced the appointment of a new Alaafin of Oyo.
The state government had however disclaimed the report, just as the nine Atiba children said it was still necessary to set the record straight.
Prince Afolabi said it was to ensure that the process of selecting a new Alaafin was conducted in a transparent and just manner, as stipulated by the law.
He noted that it would be unfair to appoint a new Alaafin while the court case is still pending.
“It is important that the governor recognises the significance of the traditional institution and ensures that a fair and just process is followed in selecting the next Alaafin.
“The Chieftaincy Declaration is a document that outlines the hierarchy and procedures for the selection and appointment of traditional rulers in the state.
“It is crucial that these guidelines are adhered to, and that any decision regarding the appointment of an Alaafin is made based on the provisions of this declaration.
“Therefore, it is important for Governor Makinde to maintain the status quo and respect the autonomy of the traditional institution until the court case is resolved.
“This will not only ensure a smooth transition process but also serve as a testament to the governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice and equity in the state.
“It is essential that Governor Makinde prioritize the resolution of the court case before any action is taken with regard to the appointment of a new Alaafin.
“This will ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and just, as required by the law,” he said.
The nine children of Atiba also declared that it was time to put an end to years of discrimination that allegedly plagued the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo in the past.
They claimed that they have been marginalised for too long, adding “and it is only fair that we are given a chance to ascend the throne.
“We urge the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the nine Atiba children.
“The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy has been found to have a defective process, and it is crucial that equity and justice are upheld in the selection of the new Alaafin.
“We cannot afford to have a flawed process that will only perpetuate the marginalisation of nine out of the children of Alaafin Atiba.
“As a government that values justice and equality, we implore the governor to act in the interest of the people and uphold the findings of the competence commission of enquiry into the stool of Alaafin.
“This will not only promote equity and fairness but also help to foster unity and inclusiveness in the community.
“Therefore, we call on the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the marginalised Atiba Children and setting a precedent for future selection process,” Afolabi added.
They however thanked the governor for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that traditional institutions were not politicised or manipulated for personal gain.
“It is refreshing to see that the governor is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the process of selecting a new Alaafin of Oyo.
“This is a clear indication of his unwavering commitment to good governance and the overall well-being of the people of our state.
“Moreover, the governor’s decision to reject the illegality in the selection process of the new Alaafin has shown that he is a leader who is not swayed by sentiments or personal interests.
“He has shown that he is willing to uphold the rule of law and ensure that due process is followed in all matters.
“We must commend Governor Makinde’s stance on fairness and due process in the selection process of the new Alaafin.
“This decision will not only restore the people’s confidence in the leadership of our state, but it will also serve as a deterrent to others who may want to circumvent the law for personal gains.
“We are using this opportunity to thank the governor for his commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in our state.
“We urge him to continue to prioritize the well-being of the people and always uphold the rule of law in all matters,” the spokesperson of the nine children of the Atiba Royal House added.
They also congratulated Governor Makinde on his resounding victory in the March 18 governorship election in the state.
“With the victory, the good people of Oyo State have really proved and demonstrated their love for His Excellency.
“It is also a proof that the governor is adjudged to have performed creditably well in the first term,” they added.
