Nine royal families in Oyo, collectively called the Atiba 9, have rejected the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo, describing it as a violation of the town’s customs and traditions. The Atiba 9 argue that Owoade’s selection disregards established procedures and diminishes the revered Alaafin stool’s integrity.
Their grievances stem from the announcement made by Governor Seyi Makinde, who presented the staff of office to Owoade on Monday. The princes allege that the governor’s decision was influenced by a proclamation from US-based Ifa priest, Prof. Wande Abimbola, who claimed that Owoade was chosen by the oracle. However, the Atiba 9 stated that this process lacked transparency and legitimacy.
Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family, speaking on behalf of the group, criticized the process, insisting that the Alaafin’s throne should be decided following due tradition. He emphasized the significance of the Ipebi, a sacred initiation process, which Owoade allegedly bypassed. The group maintains that any candidate not properly initiated into the sacred rites would struggle to gain the respect of other Yoruba rulers.
The Atiba 9 also addressed internal disputes among the Oyomesi, the traditional council responsible for selecting the Alaafin, urging them to reconcile before proceeding with the appointment process. According to Afolabi, unity within the council is essential to uphold the sanctity of the royal institution.
Additionally, the princes revealed that they are pursuing legal action to challenge the processes that led to the emergence of Owoade and another contender, Lukman Gbadegesin. They expressed their readiness to accept any candidate who emerges through a fair, lawful, and traditional selection process.
