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By Emmanuel Adeleke
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that he does not have an anointed candidate for the position of Alaafin.
The governor stated this while presenting the Part II of the Recognised Chieftaincy Certificates to 12 Baales at the Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium, Ode Aremo, Oyo town.
Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Olusegun Olayiwola, said a candidate for the stool will soon emerge.
“I am assuring you people of Oyo town that Governor Seyi Makinde has no anointed candidate. God Himself, the Almighty knows. The governor never thought it. To him, Oyo which is the cradle of Yoruba land with the Alaafin, who is the Head of Obas throughout Yoruba land should have an Oba who befits their historical status. And by so doing , he has no candidate. The process for installation of a new Alaafin would have been concluded but for the case instituted at the Appeal Court. I am therefore assuring you that sooner than later, the whole issue will be resolved,” he said.
The governor charged the newly elevated Chiefs to ensure that their domains are well secured, adding that any form of suspicious activity should promptly reported to the government.
“The importance of this Chieftaincy is starting point of elevation to any height. What you are getting today is the beginning of good things that are coming to your domains. By the grace of God, some of you will be elevated to Royal Highnesses.
“This upgrade not only brings honour to your communities, but also serves as a testament to our government’s continued support of our cultural heritage and traditional institutions.
“We believe that the traditional institutions play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in our communities. As recognised chiefs, you are expected to work closely with the local and state government to ensure that our communities are safe and secure for all inhabitants. You should not give room to banditry, land grabbing and any form of terrorism in your domains,” the commissioner added
The 12 elevated Baales are Chief Olaniyi Adeoye Adegboye III, (Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oyo); Chief David Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo of Aguo, Oyo); Chief Samuel Olusegun Odurinde (Alajagba of Ajagba, Oyo); Chief Isiaka Tella Titiloye (Ona Isokun of Isokun, Oyo); Chief Salawu Abu Oyeniran (Onigudugbu of Gudugbu, Oyo); Chief Jimoh Ajiboye Oyeleye (Alakeetan of Akeetan, Oyo).
Others are Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye Busari (Alago- Oja, Oyo); Chief Abel Olufemi Oyekan (Elepe of Iseke); Chief Oyeleke Yusuf Isola (Onidode of Idode); Chief Tijani Ajekigbe Okunshinde (Alapaara of Apaara I); Chief Adebisi Basiru Adebayo (Olotefon of Otefon, Oyo); and Chief Fakayode Moses Alowonle (Onimeleke of Imeleke 1, Oyo.
They elected chiefs are now qualified to attend the meetings of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs at the Parliament Building, Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
In attendance were some of the kingmakers in Oyo, including the Iba Samu of Oyo, High Chief Lamidi Oyewàle; the Agbaakin of Oyo, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda; the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Chief Mukaila Afonja; the former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; former Speaker of the House of Assembly during the administration of Late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Rt. Hon. Moroof Atilola, and the four local government chairmen in Oyo town.
The Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuff Akinade, who is the Head of the Oyomesi (kingmakers) was absent at the event.
Recall that Akinade and some others had dragged the governor and the government to court over the selection process of the candidate that will succeed Oba Adeyemi Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022.