Nine princes from Oyo’s Atiba royal families, collectively known as the Atiba 9, have strongly opposed the recent appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo. The group has described the process as a blatant disregard for Oyo’s long-standing customs and traditions.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde officially presented the staff of office to the Alaafin-designate, Abimbola Owoade, on Monday. However, the Atiba 9 has criticized this decision, arguing that it was based on a proclamation made by US-based Ifa priest, Prof. Wande Abimbola, who claimed that Ifa selected Owoade as the rightful Alaafin.
Violation of Tradition and Rule of Law
Speaking on behalf of the Atiba 9, Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family stated that the appointment not only disregarded the deeply rooted traditions of Oyo but also violated the rule of law that governs the selection process for the throne.
“We don’t want our revered stool to become an object of ridicule and mockery. The Alaafin should not be reduced to an ordinary Oba. The process that led to Owoade’s emergence is against the customs and traditions of the Oyo Royal Houses,” Afolabi declared.
The Atiba 9 further emphasized that they are not opposed to Owoade or any other contender for the throne but insisted that due process must be followed. They argued that the governor’s decision has reduced the Alaafin stool to an object of ridicule, undermining its sanctity and respect among other Yoruba monarchs.
Ongoing Legal Challenge
The group revealed that they have filed a case in court to challenge the process that produced both Abimbola Owoade and another contender, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, as candidates for the throne. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the selection process adheres to the traditional customs of the Oyo royal institution.
Afolabi explained that the Oyomesi, led by Basorun Yusuf Akinade, remains the sole body authorized to initiate the process of selecting a new Alaafin. He urged the Oyomesi to resolve any internal disagreements to ensure the process aligns with established traditions.
Call for Due Process
The Atiba 9 also questioned Governor Makinde’s decision to oversee the installation of the Alaafin outside the traditional Ipebi rites in Oyo. They cited the installation of the Ooni of Ife, which was conducted according to the customs of Ile-Ife, as an example of how such processes should be handled.
“We respect Prof. Wande Abimbola for his role in consulting Ifa, but the Ifa consultation should have been conducted at Ojude Ogun in Oyo, as tradition dictates,” Afolabi said.
Unity Among Princes
The Atiba 9 includes Prince Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa), Prince Lamola Olanite (Olanite), Prince Agboin Adelabu (Adelabu), Prince Raji Adeniran (Adeniran), Prince Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun), Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode), Prince Adesiyan (Adesiyan), and Prince Bello Rasheed (Abidekun). Together, they reiterated their determination to uphold the integrity of the Alaafin stool and ensure a just process in the selection of the next Alaafin.
Conclusion
The Atiba 9’s rejection of Abimbola Owoade’s appointment as the Alaafin of Oyo highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the succession process. As the case continues in court, the group hopes to restore the dignity and sanctity of Oyo’s revered throne by advocating for adherence to traditional customs and the rule of law.
