Members of the factional Oyo Kingmakers, known as Oyo Mesi, have successfully obtained a court injunction against prosecution, as disclosed by a source from the Palace who prefers to remain unnamed. The faction, consisting of the Bashorun, Akiniku, and Laguna, is also planning to file a lawsuit compelling the state government to adhere to their chosen candidate for the position of the new Alaafin-elect.
Previously, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had invited the Oyo Kingmakers to investigate allegations of financial misconduct during the selection process for the new Alaafin of Oyo. Out of the seven members of Oyo Mesi, only two, Samu and Agbaakin, responded to the EFCC’s invitation.
Governor Seyi Makinde has repeatedly emphasized the importance of following due process in selecting a new Alaafin, urging the kingmakers to disregard any process that does not comply with the necessary procedures. The governor conveyed this message through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters following the passing of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
According to sources, Bashorun, Akiniku, and Laguna had initially left town out of fear of arrest but have since returned to Oyo after obtaining a court injunction preventing the state government and the EFCC from prosecuting them. The factional group intends to file a lawsuit against the state government to ensure their selection for the new Alaafin-elect is recognized.
The source revealed that the conflict arose due to the rejection of the process leading to the alleged emergence of a new Alaafin-elect, which the state government deemed lacking in due diligence and adherence to proper procedures. The source also stated that the initial selection of the two warrant chiefs, Alapinni and Ashipa of Oyo, was carried out solely by the Bashorun, contrary to the stipulated guidelines that grant the state government the authority to nominate these chiefs. They would serve as acting members of Oyo Mesi until a new Alaafin is installed.
Anticipating potential interference from the state government in the nomination process, the factional Oyo Mesi has resorted to delaying tactics to prolong the selection of a new Alaafin until a new governor is in power.
Led by the Bashorun of Oyo, the factional Oyo Mesi remains steadfast in their choice of a yet-to-be-disclosed candidate, whom they have submitted to the state government for approval as the new Alaafin-elect. Samu and Agbaakin have already given their statements at the EFCC office and are expected to provide further updates as part of the ongoing anti-corruption investigation into the selection process for the new Alaafin of Oyo.
