The Atiba Royal House has urged the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is to refrain from further action regarding selecting a new Alaafin of Oyo until the court case filed against the Chieftaincy Declaration of the Alaafin is resolved.
According to the ruling house, this is to ensure that the process of selecting a new Alaafin is conducted in a transparent and just manner, as stipulated by the law. “It would be unfair to appoint a new Alaafin while the court case is still pending.”
Nine children of the ruling house appealed during a press conference on Saturday in Oyo town.
“It is essential that the governor recognises the significance of the traditional institution and ensures that a fair and just process is followed in selecting the next Alaafin.
“The Chieftaincy Declaration is a document that outlines the hierarchy and procedures for selecting and appointing traditional rulers in the state. It is crucial that these guidelines are adhered to, and any decision regarding the appointment of an Alaafin is made based on the provisions of this declaration.
“Therefore, it is essential for Governor Makinde to maintain the status quo and respect the autonomy of the traditional institution until the court case is resolved. This will not only ensure a smooth transition process but also serve as a testament to the governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice and equity in the state.
“It is essential that Governor Makinde prioritise the resolution of the court case before any action is taken about appointing a new Alaafin. This will ensure the process is transparent, fair, and as the law requires.
Gentlemen of the press, it is time to put an end to the years of discrimination that has plagued the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo in the past,” the Atiba ruling house said.
The nine Atiba Children disclosed that they had been marginalised for too long, “and it is only fair that they are given a chance to ascend the throne. We urge the governor to make history by selecting the new king among the nine Atiba Children.”
They added that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy had been found to have a flawed process, “and equity and justice must be upheld in selecting the new Alaafin. We cannot afford to have a flawed process that will only perpetuate the marginalisation of nine out of the children of Alaafin Atiba.”
The Atiba Royal House’s children, while describing Governor Makinde’s government as one that values justice and equality, implored the governor “to act in the interest of the people and uphold the findings of the competence commission of enquiry into the stool of Alaafin. This will not only promote equity and fairness but also help to foster unity and inclusiveness in the community.”
They called on the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the marginalised Atiba Children and setting a precedent for the future selection process.
The children of the Atiba Royal House who made the statement were: Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan family, Prince Remi Azeez of the Tella Okitipapa family, Prince Lamola Olanite of the Olanite family, Prince Agboin Adelabu of the Adelabu Family, Prince Raji Adediran of the Adediran Family, Prince Nureni Taiwo of the Tella Agbojulogun Family,
Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan of the Adesokan Baba Idode Family, Prince Adesiyan of the Adesiyan family, and Prince Bello Rasheed of the Abidekun family.
