As the selection process of the new Alaafin of Oyo keeps getting protracted, the association of coalition of Baales and ruling houses in the ancient town have commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde on his stance that due process must be followed in the selection of a paramount ruler for the town.
Speaking on behalf of other Baales after the High Court sitting in Oyo discontinued the hearing the suit filed by three members of the Oyomesi, Pastor (Chief) Abel Olufemi Oyekan, Elepe of Iseke expressed the profound gratitude of all Baales to Governor Seyi Makinde on his intervention for the selection of Alaafin Oyo.
According to him, the chiefs were happy as the State Government stopped the selection process for the emergence of Alaafin. His words:
“We are grateful to Governor Seyi Makinde and the State Government for putting a stop to the process with immediate effect, noting that due process must be followed in the selection.
” We were furious on how the selection process was being handled by some members of the Oyomesi.
“We knew our Governor will not agree on anything that will not be acceptable to the people.”
Also speaking an aspirant from the Atiba ruling house, Prince Afolabi Ademola Adeshina Atiba, who hails from Adeitan family who spoke on behalf of other ruling house that were not allowed to participate in the process, said the three Oyomesi members who sued Governor Seyi and Oyo State Government were just seeking protection for their actions.
Prince Adeshina said the selection process had failed from the beginning and that the case filed by them was purely illegal.
He said the kingmakers were biased with the selection process.
“Our Governor loves the masses, he gives everyone listening ears, what we are asking is simple, Oyo needs a genuine oba.
” Secondly, equity demands that those of who are princes should be given equal and fair treatment. No one should be treated as sacred cow.
“I’m a bonafide member of All Progressive Congress APC, Governor Seyi has never spoken ill of me before, Makinde knows I’m the secretary of Senator Teslim Folarin, despite our political differences, he extended olive branch to us. Our prayer that the Governor will succeed on this. “
