Alaafin tussle: Oyo kingmakers accuse Makinde of defamation, warn against media trial

A faction of the Oyomesi (kingmakers) has advised Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo state, to take any grievances against them to court.

The kingmakers and the governor have been in a heated dispute over the selection of a new Alaafin.

Five out of seven Oyomesi members had recommended Luqman Gbadegesin for the role.

However, on January 10, Makinde approved Abimbola Owoade to the stool and presented the staff of office to him on Monday — despite pushback from the kingmakers.

The governor, during the event, said he would not allow the Alaafin stool to be politicised, adding that those who allegedly paid money to destabilise the traditional institution in the state would be prosecuted. 

The kingmakers, in a letter addressed to the governor on their behalf by Kunle Sobaloju, their legal counsel, described Makinde’s claims as “unacceptable”.

They advised the governor to present any evidence he has against them in court and “refrain from his campaign of calumny” against their personalities.

They further said the governor is liable to prosecution for the “defamatory acts committed by you in office, and that he may be held to account when his immunity expires”.

“We recognize Your Excellency’s right to defend your actions in court, given the ongoing legal challenge to your recent decision,” the letter reads.

”However, we respectfully remind Your Excellency that the court is the appropriate forum for presenting evidence and arguments.

“The Oyomesi, in their respect for the high office of the Governor of Oyo State, have refrained from joining issues with you in the public arena. It is, therefore, disheartening that Your Excellency continues to make public statements that cast aspersions on their integrity.

“We urge Your Excellency to refrain from resorting to a trial by media or the court of public opinion in a bid to confer legitimacy on recent unlawful acts of the state, under your command.

“If there is any evidence to support these allegations, we respectfully advise that it should be brought before the court, where it can be properly examined and addressed.

“Publicly maligning the Oyomesi, who are custodians of tradition and highly respected in the Oyo Kingdom, undermines not only their reputation but also the sanctity of the ongoing judicial process and defamatory of our clients.”

They added that they have maintained their integrity and remained committed to upholding the traditions and customs of the Oyo Kingdom and as such consider the continued attempt at public trial of their character as “unwarranted and unbecoming of the high standards expected of the office of the governor”.