The traditional head of the ruling families has submitted to the government a list of princes claiming the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo, PREMIUM TIMES has learned.
Mukaila Afonja, the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, submitted a list of 86 princes to the Atiba Local Government Secretariat, the custodian of the Alaafin Palace, on Tuesday.
The formal screening of the princes will begin on September 5, this newspaper was informed.
“I hereby submit the compiled list of 86 candidates who have shown interest in the vacant position of Alaafin de Oyo of the Agunloye family,” reads Mr. Afonja’s letter seen by PREMIUM TIMES.
Better known among those listed are Lukman Gbadegesin, a former public servant in the Obasanjo administration; Lawrence Ladigbolu, retired archbishop; Kabir Gbadegesin, the candidate of the Agreement for the elections of the Federal District of Oyo in 2015; and Ayo Sanda, civil servant.
PREMIUM TIMES understands that the Oyo state government had in early August ordered the local government to begin the formal administrative process to select the next Alaafin. Later, the local government president, Mojisola Olakojo, asked Mr. Afonja to send him the list.
The top traditional Yoruba post has become vacant following the death of Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi in April. Adeyemi, who has died aged 83, reigned for nearly 52 years and was crowned in late 1970.
Sources among the shortlisted princes, Oyo Mesi, and local government officials said the selection of candidates will start on Monday.
Each day, a batch of 10 princes will be interviewed by Oyo Mesi, the kingmakers, in the presence of government officials. Therefore, the selection exercise will take “approximately” two weeks.
An Oyo Mesi member said the interviews would focus on the applicants’ background, social capital, network and leadership skills and their knowledge of history and cultural values, as well as how much they can demonstrate the ability to provide. bread. -Traditional Yoruba leadership.
Meanwhile, although the Agunloye family only submitted 49 names to Baba Iyaji, he submitted 86 for screening, apparently accepting interests from princes other than those vetted and nominated by the family.
The existing Alaafin Declaration of Chiefdom from 1961 allows the Agunloye and Alowolodu families to produce an Alaafin on a rotational basis. Now it’s Agunloye’s turn.
READ ALSO: Why I want to be Alaafin de Oyo – 84-year-old retired Methodist Archbishop
Both families are descendants of Abiodun Atiba, who re-established Oyo at its present location in 1837.
However, the descendants of other sons of Atiba, in addition to Alowolodu and Agunloye, are agitating to be allowed to produce the next Alaafin.
Governor Seyi Makinde he publicly rejected his agitation at the state funeral of the Alaafin, saying that the 1961 declaration is still in effect.
Apparently the traditional establishment has also decided to continue the selection process using the 1961 declaration.
After the screening and consultation with the diviners, the Oyo Mesi will inform the state government of the selection of the 45th Alaafin.
The letter and the list of prince nominees are published together with this report.