A former lawmaker who represented Atiba state constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Eesuola has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to exercise restraints in meddling with the responsibility of Oyomesi in the selection of a new Alaafin for the ancient Oyo town.
Eesuola who represented the state constituency between 2003 and 2007, stated this in an open letter dated August 5th, and addressed to the governor, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The former lawmaker who was Gov. Makinde’s appointee in his first term, said the letter became imperative in view of the prolonged delay in the selection of a new Alaafin, about three years after the demise of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and about two years after the submission of recommendations of the Oyomesi.
The former chairman of the board of the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), in the letter entitled “Open Letter Requesting Your Excellency to Uphold the Sanctity of the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration and Resist Unconstitutional Interference and Unnecessary Stalemate in the Selection of the Next Alaafin of Oyo”, expressed what he described as grave concern over attempt by Governor Makinde to appoint a new Alaafin of Oyo.
He drew the attention of the government to the potential breach of the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, which he said could have far-reaching implications for the preservation of the traditions and the integrity of the Oyo Sate government and Yoruba nation at large.
According to him, the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, which outlines the procedure for selecting a new Alaafin, places the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the seven Oyomesi-in-Council led by the Bashorun of Oyo, stressing that the Council as the traditional kingmakers’ council is responsible for screening, selecting, and nominating a suitable candidate for the throne of the Alaafin.
He maintained that it is not the responsibility of the governor to select an Alaafin but approves the recommendations of the Oyomesi.
Eesuola expressed dismay that despite the government giving approval to the Oyomesi to begin the selection and screening process, a task which was delivered according to time, the governor was yet to approve the recommendation sent to him by the Council, almost two years after.
Eesuola said, “I write to express my grave concern over the ongoing attempt by your administration to appoint a new Alaafin of Oyo, following the demise of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, three years ago.
“This petition seeks to call your attention to the potential breach of the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, which could have far-reaching implications for the preservation of our cherished traditions and the integrity of the Oyo State government and Yoruba nation at large.
“The Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler; he is a custodian of the history, culture, and traditions of the Yoruba people. The position of the Alaafin has always been revered and respected, not just within Oyo but across the entire Yoruba land.
“The process of selecting a new Alaafin is deeply rooted in history, and it is guided by a set of customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
“The Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, which outlines the procedure for selecting a new Alaafin, places the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the seven Oyomesi in Council.
“The Oyomesi led by led by the Bashorun of Oyo, is the traditional kingmakers’ council responsible for screening, selecting, and nominating a suitable candidate for the throne of the Alaafin. After due diligence and the fulfillment of all traditional rites, the name of the chosen candidate is then submitted to the Executive Governor for approval.
“The Governor’s role, as clearly stated in the Chieftaincy Declaration, is to endorse the name submitted by the Oyomesi and present the newly selected Alaafin with a certificate and staff of office.”
He further raised concern on an alleged attempt by the Governor to usurp the traditional authority despite government involvement in the Oyomesi’s selection and screening process that culminated in the emergence of a candidate whose name was submitted to the Governor since October 4th, 2022.
“The alleged attempt to usurp the power of the Oyomesi and take over the responsibility of selecting the next Alaafin not only contravenes the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration but also constitutes a dangerous precedent that could undermine the traditional institution and the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
“Your Excellency, the appointment of a traditional ruler such as the Alaafin of Oyo is not a political exercise. It is a sacred duty that should be conducted with the utmost respect for the customs, traditions, and values that define our people.
“The Oyomesi, by the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, has the exclusive mandate to select the next Alaafin, and any attempt to interfere with this process by the executive arm of government is not only unlawful but also a blatant disregard for the traditions of the Yoruba people.
“The role of the executive Governor in the selection of the Alaafin, as clearly defined by the Chieftaincy Declaration, is to provide the necessary governmental approval and to present the staff of office to the duly selected Alaafin.
“This role is procedural and ceremonial, and it does not extend to influencing or determining the outcome of the selection process. The attempt by the Oyo State Government to assume the role of the Oyomesi is not only unconstitutional but also a violation of the established norms and practices that have guided the selection of the Alaafin for centuries.”
Eesuola who reminded Governor Makinde that separation of powers was a fundamental principle of governance said just as the judiciary must be independent in the dispensation of justice, so too must the traditional institutions be free from undue interference by the executive arm of government.
“The actions of your administration in this regard are not only an encroachment on the autonomy of the traditional institution but also an affront to the people of Oyo State who hold the Alaafin institution in high esteem.
He noted that the Oyo State Government, in accordance with the law, approved the commencement of the selection process for the next Alaafin of Oyo which the Oyomesi, acting in full compliance, conducted the selection process leading to the emergence of a candidate whose name was duly submitted to the Governor on the 4th of October 2022.
He added that the selection process was without any formal complaints or challenges within the stipulated 21-day window.
Speaking on the stalled process in installing the selected candidate, the former lawmaker said, “This delay has not only caused unnecessary anxiety and speculation among the people of Oyo but has also left a significant vacuum in the traditional leadership of Oyo.
“The lack of progress in the appointment of the new Alaafin, despite the legal and traditional processes being duly followed, raises serious concerns about the intentions behind the delay. The continued stalemate is not only unjustifiable but also detrimental to the stability and continuity of the Alaafin institution”, he added.
He, however, warned government proceeding with the alleged plan to unilaterally appoint a new Alaafin, saying it could set a dangerous precedent that could lead to the erosion of traditional institutions across the state and beyond.
“I respectfully urge Your Excellency to honor the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, respect the autonomy of the Oyomesi, and allow the selection process to proceed without interference,” Eesuola said.
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