A legal battle has erupted over the Alaafin of Oyo throne as Prince Lukman Gbadegesin has filed a lawsuit challenging the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin.
Gbadegesin, a contender for the revered stool, submitted his suit at the Oyo State High Court on February 12, 2025, seeking to annul Owoade’s appointment, which he claims violates the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.
Through his counsel, Kunle Sobaloju (SAN), Gbadegesin is also requesting an injunction to prevent Owoade from assuming the throne or performing any royal duties.
The lawsuit names Governor Seyi Makinde, the Attorney General of Oyo State, and 11 others as defendants, with a 30-day window to respond.
In his legal filing, Gbadegesin argues that Governor Makinde’s approval of Owoade’s selection within five days was “unlawful, unconstitutional, invalid, null, and void.” He asserts that the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers, had already chosen him as the rightful heir before the governor’s decision.
“The selection of the fourth defendant as the Alaafin of Oyo was carried out to the exclusion of rightful kingmakers who were neither suspended nor removed,” Gbadegesin stated.
He is asking the court to recognize his nomination as valid and affirm that the kingmakers’ selection process should be upheld. Additionally, he seeks an order compelling the governor to approve his appointment as Alaafin, as recommended by the Oyomesi and the Agunloye Ruling House.
Gbadegesin is also requesting an injunction to bar the recognition of Owoade as Alaafin and halt any financial benefits or stipends attached to the office.
The legal action follows a pre-action notice from his legal team to the governor, highlighting alleged violations of the state’s chieftaincy laws.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the Oyo State Government has moved forward with preparations for Owoade’s coronation, with a committee already convening.
Governor Makinde formally announced Owoade’s appointment on January 13, 2024, and presented him with the staff of office. The move ended a two-year vacancy following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in 2022.
During the ceremony, Governor Makinde warned that any individuals found guilty of accepting bribes during the selection process would face legal consequences.
The Oyomesi, led by High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo, and other traditional chiefs, have expressed dissatisfaction with the selection process. In a letter dated January 14, 2025, addressed to the governor and signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), they raised concerns about statements undermining their integrity.
The court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks as the tussle over the Alaafin stool intensifies.
