EFCC Invites Oyo Kingmakers Over Alleged Bribe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited seven kingmakers in the Oyo kingdom over the investigation into bribery allegations.

The commission’s spokesperson, Mr Dele Oyewale, disclosed that two kingmakers, known as the ‘Oyomesi’, have honoured the invitation.

He said the others were due to appear before the commission within the week to answer questions about the emergence of a new Alaafin.

The spokesperson confirmed that an ongoing investigation was being conducted on the matter but did not provide further details.

He said: “I can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation in that regard. We did not apprehend any kingmaker; rather, we invited them. We are expecting others within the week.”

Meanwhile, a virile report alleged that the anti-graft agency apprehended the kingmakers over bribery allegations.

The report added that the EFCC summoned the Oyo kingmakers following a petition by one of the candidates aspiring for the vacant stool.

According to the report, credible sources in the anti-graft identified the kingmakers invited as Basorun of Oyo town, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola; Agbaakin of Oyo town, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda; Samu of Oyo town, High Chief Lamidi Oyewale; Lagunna of Oyo town, High Wakilu Oyedepo; and Akinniku of Oyo town.

The report said it was gathered that the petitioner alleged that the kingmakers collected bribes running into millions of naira to favour a particular candidate, hence the decision of the EFCC to summon the kingmakers for questioning.