Oyo chief to Makinde: Enforce 1976 chieftaincy declaration to expand eligibility to Alaafin throne

Sidikatu Olona, the Yeyelua of Iseyin land, has advised Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, to enforce the 1976 Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, which seeks to expand eligibility for the Alaafin throne.

The declaration, issued in 1976, proposed the inclusion of all 11 direct descendants of Alaafin Atiba in the succession process, broadening the traditionally recognised ruling houses of Alowolodu and Agunloye, also known as Ladigbolu or Gbadegesin.

She said these nine other royal families, collectively referred to as “The Atiba Nine,” have historically been sidelined from vying for the throne.

Listing the Atiba Nine as Adelabu, Adesiyan, Adediran, Tella Agbojulogun, Baba Idode, Adeitan, Tella Okitipapa, Olanite, and Abidekun, Olona insisted the families bore no ill will towards Omooba Abimbola Owoade or Omooba Lukman Gbadegesin, prominent figures from the traditionally recognised ruling houses.

In a statement on Thursday, Olona commended Makinde for appointing Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, describing the move as a step towards justice and equity.

“First, I would like to communicate to you that the nine sidelined royal houses of Atiba dynasty, namely; Adelabu, Adesiyan, Adediran, Tella Agbojulogun, Baba Idode, Adeitan, Tella Okitipapa, Olanite and Abidekun, (famously known as The Atiba 9) HAVE NO PERSONAL ANIMOSITY towards Omooba Abimbola Owoade and Omooba Lukman Gbadegesin; they are our flesh and blood!,” the statement reads.

“As the oldest female vicegerent of Alaafin Atobatele Atiba and the mother of all of these princes, my role is to ensure that the principle of justice, equity and fairness is brought to bear on their equal access to their inheritance.

“I commend your use of the executive power of your office to change the chieftaincy law in 2024, prior to elevating some chiefs to Baales. In this light, it is my belief that you will work with Omooba Abimbola Owoade (whose situation was similar to that of The Atiba Nine, but is now benefiting from your kindness) and use the same executive power of your office to sign and implement the 1976 declaration that will allow The Atiba Nine to access the ancestral throne that was bequeathed by Alaafin Atiba to ALL his offspring.

“In my view, your selection of Omooba Owoade (who is neither a Ladigbolu nor a Gbadegesin) seems to be a confirmation that ALL Atiba princes, including The Atiba Nine and the remaining 28 other branches of Adelu Agunloye Royal House (The Non-Lawani Agogo-Ija branches) are entitled to inherit the throne of their mutual ancestor.

“Your cooperation will go down in history, as the governor that supported the re-establishment of peace and justice in The House of Atiba.”