Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has threatened to prosecute and punish the Oyomesi – kingmakers who allegedly collected bribes to influence the selection of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin as Alaafin-elect.
Makinde stated that the only way to avoid prosecution is for all the Oyomesi to support Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade, his preferred candidate, to whom he has already presented the staff of office and certificate of appointment.
Makinde warned that any chief found guilty of accepting bribes during the selection process would face prosecution.
Recall that five kingmakers (Oyomesi) have declared the governor’s appointment of Prince Owoade as the new Alaafin null and void, arguing that they did not recommend his name to the state government.
They insisted that the only candidate they recommended as the next Alaafin was Prince Lukman Gbadegesin.
In response, Makinde emphasised that the process by which Prince Owoade emerged as Alaafin-elect was transparent.
Meanwhile, Prince Owoade, who arrived in Oyo a few hours after receiving his letter of appointment and staff of office, was welcomed with fanfare and pageantry. He is set to begin the necessary traditional rites.
Sources revealed that the Alaafin-elect will remain in seclusion for 30 days to complete the traditional rites required for his installation.
