Alaafin Stool: 86 candidates emerge for vacant throne

A total number of 86 candidates would vie for the chance to become the next Alaafin of Oyo, The Editorial understands.

This follows the submission of the names of the 86 contestants for the vacant stool by the Head of Oyo Princes (Baba Iyaji of Oyo), Chief Mukaila Afonja, to the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yussuf Ayoola who doubles as the regent of the town.

According to Punch, the Basorun summoned an emergency meeting of all members of the Oyo Traditional Council ( Oyo Mesi) on the development upon the receipt of the names.

In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, on Thursday, the contestants will be interviewed starting from next week.

The statement read, “In attendance at the meeting was the Chairperson, Atiba Local Government, Alhaja Kafilat.

“At the end of the meeting, it was resolved that all the contestants should, as a matter of utmost concern, attend a peace meeting on Saturday, 3rd of September, 2022, at the Agbala Ogun Hall, in the Palace.

“Thereafter, from next week Monday the 4th till Thursday, the 8th of September, 2022, 10 contestants will appear for interview on daily basis.

“There will be a break on Friday, as no interview will take place, to pave the way for the Jumat service.

“The interview will resume on Monday, the 12th and last till the 15th of September, 2022.”

There had been reports in the media of how some contestants have been attacking Governor Seyi Makinde for alleged bias in the selection.

According to them, the Oyo state government had narrowed the selection to the Agunloye Ruling House alone while they said the contest should be thrown open to all princes of Alaafin Atiba descendants.

Recall that the throne became vacant following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who reigned for 52 years and died on April 22 at the age of 83.