Oyo state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has explained why he may prosecute some of Oyo kingmakers otherwise known as Oyomesi, citing allegations of fraud.
The governor added that he would be willing to forgive them if they seek forgiveness from the Alaafin-designate, Oba Akeem Owoade.
Makinde made this known at the presentation of Instruments of Office to the new Alaafin of Oyo at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office Ibadan on Tuesday.
The governor, who insisted that he had no prior relationship with the new monarch said the affected kingmakers would be pardoned if they genuinely sought forgiveness from the Kabiyesi.
According to him, “Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them.
“The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.
He maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.
“The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.
“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.
“Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.
“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political considerations? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.
“I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.
“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards the election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.
“The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to the Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.
“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,”
In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people.
He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi and everyone who worked for his selection and assumption of office as the Alaafin of Oyo.
Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin.
He also thanked those involved in the selection process.
In attendance at the event was the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom.
Top government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.
In a related development, the popular Akesan market and other markets in the ancient town were shut down in honour of the new monarch.
Prince Owoade was accompanied to the ancient town with heavy security including men of Operation Burst, Police, Civil defence and Western Security Network code-named Amotekun.
Receiving the new monarch, Iyaloja of Oyo town, Alhaja Adijat Bakare, in an interview with Tribune Online explained that the suspension of trading activities was in consonance with the customs and traditions of the Oyo people.
Alhaja Bakare and other market women waiting to receive the new Oba said they are excited to have a new Alaafin who is regarded as an important symbol of honour and unity in Oyo.
Meanwhile, the traditional rites for the Alaafin designate have commenced.
Oba Owoade will be in seclusion for 21 days after which the official coronation as 46th Alaafin will hold.
