Fresh details have surfaced, challenging the claim by the Oyo State Government that Ifa divination selected Prince Akeem Owoade as the next Alaafin of Oyo.
According to authoritative sources, an authentic Ifa consultation led by Ona Onimole, the recognized Ifa priest of the Oyo Kingdom, took place on September 24, 2024, in Oyo town.
The consultation, reportedly sanctioned by the state government, was attended by notable traditional stakeholders, including Baba-Iyaji, Ona Isokun, Elope Iseke, Bale Oloja, and representatives of the Oyomesi ( Agbaakin, and Iba Samu) as well as various Ifa priests such as Ona Ilemole, Oluwo Alaafin, Oluwo Isale Oyo, and Oluwo Iseke and others.
During the divination, five names emerged as the top candidates among the 62 princes vying for the throne:
These include Prince (Barrister) Ademola Rasaq Adegoke; Prince Majeed Gbadegesin; Prince Muideen Adekunle Oladigbolu; Prince Afolabi Rafiu Wasiu and Prince Olamilekan Ismael Owoade
Of these, sources revealed that Prince Ademola Adegoke stood out as having the most attributes befitting the kingship.
However, it was alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde and a prominent female politician from Oyo town were displeased with the results of the authentic Ifa divination.
This dissatisfaction reportedly led to the exclusion of the recommended candidates and the announcement of Prince Akeem Owoade instead.
Critics have raised concerns over the involvement of Professor Wande Abimbola, emphasizing that while he is an Ifa priest, he does not hold custodial authority to conduct divinations for selecting a new Alaafin.
The controversy highlights a growing divide over traditional practices and political influence in the process of appointing the next Alaafin of Oyo.
