Prince Ismaila Olamilekan Owoade, an aspirant to the stool of Alaafin of Oyo has filed a lawsuit against Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde and 19 others, over the “unlawful selection process” that excluded him.
Gatekeepers News reports that Prince Owoade who is contending against the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo alleged that due process was truncated by Governor Makinde.
Prince Owoade said the selection process violated the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000.
The suit filed through his legal counsel, Bamidele Ogundele, is currently before Justice Jimoh Adesina of Oyo State High Court, with the hearing scheduled for March 11, 2025.
Owoade argued that the selection process ignored a crucial step, the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Chief Mukaila Afonja, who, according to the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, must present the most qualified candidate to the Kingmakers (Oyo Mesi) for final approval.
He is therefore asking the court to, “To restrain Prince Abimbola Owoade (4th defendant) and Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin (5th defendant from parading themselves as the Alaafin of Oyo since their appointment allegedly violated chieftaincy laws.”
“To nullify the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade and the presentation of his staff of office, declaring them illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.”
“To compel Governor Makinde, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to complete the selection process correctly—allowing Baba Iyaji to present the rightful candidate as mandated by the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.”
“To mandate the re-evaluation of the selection process, ensuring that the chieftaincy laws are followed.”
Other defendants named in the lawsuit include: The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oyo State, Prince Abimbola Owoade (4th defendant), Prince Lukman Ayinla Gbadegesin (5th defendant), Prince Yusuf Layinka (Basorun of Oyo) and several other high-ranking Oyo chiefs, and Atiba Local Government.
Prince Owoade said the defendants allegedly failed to follow due process, leading to an unlawful appointment that disregarded the role of Baba Iyaji in the selection process.
Prince Owoade, in his legal offensive, insisted that the Baba Iyaji of Oyo plays a crucial role in selecting the next Alaafin.
He argued that according to the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961; Baba Iyaji must conduct a transparent screening among the eligible princes, select the most qualified candidate in consultation with the ruling house, and present the chosen candidate and other contenders to the Kingmakers, led by the Basorun of Oyo.
Prince Owoade claimed that this process was ignored, rendering the entire appointment illegitimate.
