The demise of the last Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, threw the throne open; hence, the ancient town of Oyo faces the task of picking a new Alaafin. The last occupant of the stool joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022, after a glamorous 52-year reign.
The throne was further elevated by the immediate past Alaafin, who soaked himself in the deep history of the town’s origin, greatness, and influence across centuries. The late Oba Adeyemi III’s public conduct, rich knowledge of history, unparalleled love for Yoruba culture and tradition, and tenacity to pursue his convictions to a logical end added more honour and glamour to the throne.
Already, Oyo State Governor Oluseyi Makinde has urged kingmakers to speed up the process, assuring that he would approve any selected prince.
Why Alaafin throne is keenly contested
The Alaafin stool occupies a primordial position in Yoruba land and African history. The rise, strength and power of the old Oyo empire gave the throne primacy in West Africa. They also added to its nobility and its occupier.
The greatness made colonial masters accord the throne a primus inter pares position in Yorubaland, thrusting upon it a massive consenting authority over several other Yoruba communities that cut across today’s states.
Newspeakonline reports the complete list of the 48 shortlisted princes to occupy the vacant throne of the Alaafin.
The candidates OKE APO (GBADEGESIN)
• Abdul Rashidi Adewale GBADEGESIN
• Dr. Abidoye GBADEGESIN
• Abdrasak Adegoke GBADEGESIN
• Kabiru Adebayo GBADEGESIN
• Isiak Olatunde GBADEGESIN
• Basiru Adeniyi GBADEGESIN
• Monjeed Abiola GBADEGESIN
• Lukman Adelodun GBADEGESIN
• Babajide Aderoju GBADEGESIN
• Abdmonjeed Adekunle GBADEGESIN
ILAKA OLAWUWO
• Ajibade Adebayo ADELADAN
• Tella Biliaminu KOLAWOLE
• Tiani Hammed ADEBAYO
• Salami Saheed BABATUNDE
• Ladigbolu Adewale ADEREMI
• Adekunle Mutahir ADEGBOYE
• Alh. Tesleem Oriade LADIGBOLU
• Adekunle Kamal ADEYEMI
• Adebisi Jeleel ADENIYI
ISALE-OJA
• Oluokun Kasali AGUNLOYE
• Adekunle Gafar ADEBAYO
• Tella Meroof ADENIYI
• Owoade Wahab Folorunso ADEREMI
• Adewusi Mukaila OLANREWAJU
• Olaide DaudaOLADIMEJI
• Tella Adeniyi KAREEM
• Agunloye Adelayo ADEREMI
• Aderogba Idowu AGUNLOYE
• Morounranti Hakeem ALAYOAYO
• Gbadegesin Taofeek AGUNLOYE
• Remilekun Enitan ADENIYA
• Razak ALAYOAYO
• Akinade Abdul Rahman ALAYOAYO
LADIGBOLU
• Archbishop Prince Lawrence Sanda Ayo Ladigbolu
• Lukman Alabi Olugbenga Ladigbolu
• Hakeem Abiodun Adeyanju Ayinde Ladigbolu
• Ayobami Adewumi Sanda Ladigbolu
• Amidu Abiodun Ladigbolu
• Muideen Adekunle Ladigbolu
• Kolade Tunde Saani Ladigbolu
• Adegboyega Ibrahim Ladigbolu
• Abdulquadri Opeyemi Ladigbolu
• Ismaila Aderemi Belawu Adekunle Ladigbolu
• Adebimpe Wasiu Abiodun Ladigbolu
• Taofeek Adewumi Ladigbolu
• Rasaki Kamorudeen Osuolale Ladigbolu
OWOADE AGURE
• Owoade Hakeem Babatunde Adetunji
• Owoade Ibrahim Abiodun Olayiwola
