Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The nine royal families in Oyo excluded from producing the Alaafin since 1859, have pleaded with Governor Seyi Makinde to allow them present a sole candidate for the throne this time as a matter of fairness and equity.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the nine families urged the governor to demonstrate justice and fairness as he did in the 2023 general elections by correcting historical imbalance.
They noted that in doing so, Makinde will write his name in gold in the history of Oyo.
The families, now popularly known as Atiba 9, are in court seeking the implementation of a 1976 state government’s decision which directed the Alaafin traditional council to review the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration in order to accommodate the ruling houses.
An Oyo State High Court sitting in Awe, which is hearing the suit, has adjourned till October 19, 2023 for continuation of the hearing.
The Atiba 9 also commended Makinde for his position that the reverted Alaafin stool was not for sale.
“Atiba 9, represented by their spokesman, Prince Sina Afolabi, would like to express their commendation for the executive governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, in his recent statement regarding the sacred stool of Alafin of Oyo. The nine sidelined ruling houses believe that the governor should be praised for his assertion that the prestigious stool is not for sale.
“The families, who have been marginalised for many years, including the Olawoyin house, which also belongs to the Alafin Atiba dynasty, urge Governor Makinde to uphold the sanctity of the law by honoring the ongoing court cases. They requested that the governor considers their plea to present a sole candidate from the nine ruling houses as a compensation for their historical exclusion from the Alafin stool, which has been enjoyed by their fellow brothers since 1859.
“Furthermore, Atiba 9 appeals to Governor Makinde to utilise his executive power effectively in order to design a strategy to implement and enforce the government’s decision on September 8, 1976, regarding the Chieftaincy Declaration of Alaafin Oyo. They believe that granting justice, equity, and fairness to the families is crucial in rectifying the historical imbalance.
“Governor Makinde has demonstrated his commitment to equity and fairness as evidenced by his recent involvement in the just concluded 2023 elections. Atiba 9 prays for the success and prosperity of the governor’s administration in all his endeavors,” the statement read in part.
