Five Kingmakers in Oyo State have condemned Governor Seyi Makinde’s move to initiate a new process for selecting the next Alaafin, describing it as illegal and disrespectful to the judiciary.
The Kingmakers, who expressed their displeasure through their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, are:
– High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo
– High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo
– High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo
– Chief Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo
– Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo
In a letter to the Governor, the Kingmakers stated that they have been informed of the appointment of new warrant kingmakers to join High Chief Asimiyu Atanda and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale in selecting another candidate for the vacant stool.
They argued that since there is a pending court case on the matter, the Governor’s attempt to initiate a new process is a disregard to his oath of office and constitutional duty to abide by the constitution and respect the court.
The Kingmakers also noted that the Governor’s move is similar to his past action when he disregarded a pending court case and dissolved democratically elected Local Government Chairmen, which the Supreme Court eventually condemned as “executive lawlessness.”
They urged the Governor to suspend any plans to initiate a fresh process for selecting the next Alaafin during the pendency of the court case, in obedience to the law and integrity of the courts.
