In a bold move, princes from nine royal families in Oyo, collectively known as the Atiba 9, have rejected the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo. The Atiba 9, led by Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family, issued a statement condemning the decision as a blatant violation of Oyo’s traditions and customs.
The Atiba 9 argue that the process leading to Owoade’s appointment, which was sanctioned by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday, disregards the revered practices that have long governed the selection of the Alaafin. Their objection stems from the involvement of US-based Awise Agbaye, Prof. Wande Abimbola, who claimed that Ifa, the Yoruba deity, had chosen Owoade for the throne.
The princes assert that the process violated not only the traditions of Oyo but also the rule of law. They emphasized that they have legitimate claims to the throne and insisted that due process must be followed to maintain the integrity of the royal institution.
“The selection of Owoade is contrary to the customs, culture, and traditions of Oyo,” Afolabi stated, underscoring that their objections were not personal against Owoade or Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, another contender, but against the flawed process that led to Owoade’s appointment. The Atiba 9 are also pursuing a legal case challenging the validity of the selection process.
The statement also criticized Governor Makinde, accusing him of undermining the respected Alaafin throne. “His actions have reduced the throne to an object of ridicule,” Afolabi declared. The group called for a return to traditional methods, referencing the selection process of the Ooni of Ife, where customs were strictly adhered to.
In addition to rejecting Owoade’s appointment, the Atiba 9 urged the Oyomesi, the ruling council of Oyo, to settle their internal disputes before proceeding with any further actions regarding the throne. They cautioned that failure to respect the traditions could lead to a loss of respect for the Alaafin among other Yoruba obas.
The rejection of Owoade’s appointment marks the second such opposition, as another faction of Oyo royalty has already voiced similar concerns.
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