... Decries the age long marginalisation of the Atiba Royal House in the selection of Alaafin of Oyo.
Nine princes of Atiba Royal Family in Oyo kingdom have urged the Oyo state government to halt further process on the appointment of the new Alaafin of Oyo until when court adjudicates on the suit filed against the Chieftaincy Declaration of the Alaafin is resolved.
Addressing a press conference in Oyo town on Saturday, the princes, spoke through Prince Sina Afolabi of Adeitan Family commended Governor Seyi Makinde for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that traditional institutions are not politicised or manipulated for personal gain.
The family, while noting government’s disclaimer of recent claim in some quarters that Governor Makinde had approved the appointment of a new Alaafin of Oyo, however stated that there is still a need to outline certain guides towards appointing a new Alaafin of Oyo.
According to Afolabi, “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.
He added that “It is important that the governor recognizes 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 the selection and appointment of 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”, he explained.
Members of the royal family maintained that until the ciyrtt decides on the case before it, the process of appointingt of new king would not be seen as transparent, fair, and just, as required by the law.
“It is essential that Governor Makinde prioritize the resolution of the court case before any action is taken with regard to the appointment of a new Alaafin. This will ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and just, as required by the law.
“Therefore, it is important 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.”
The family also decried the marginalisation of the Atiba Royal House, calling on government to uphold equity and justice in the selection of the new Alaafin.
“The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy has been found to have a defective process, and it is crucial that equity and justice are upheld in the selection of the new Alaafin. We cannot afford to have a flawed process that will only perpetuate the marginalization of nine out of the children of Alaafin Atiba.
“The nine Atiba Children have 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 from among the nine Atiba Children.
“As a government that values justice and equality, we implore 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.
“Therefore, we call on the governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the marginalised Atiba Children and setting a precedent for future selection process.
The princes at the press conference included Prince Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa Family), Prince Lamola Olanite (Olanite Family), Prince Agboin Adelabu (Adelabu Family), Prince Raji Adediran (Adediran Family) and Prince Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun Family).
Others were Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode Family), Prince Adesiyan (Adesiyan Family) and Prince Bello Rasheed (Abidekun Family).
