Oyo state government has absolved Governor Seyi Makinde of any wrongdoing in the selection process of the new Alaafin of Oyo as it blames the delay on pending case at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola while debunking the rumour milling around said the governor has no preferred candidate.
He stated this at the presentation of Part II Recognized Chieftaincy certificates to twelve Baales, who are now lesser Obas for their different domains at the Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium, Ode Aremo, Oyo Town.
The commissioner who represented the governor at the occasion said all the matters relating to the enthronement of the new Alaafin of Oyo would be resolved soonest.
His words,”I have had series of meetings with my Boss, “and I am assuring you the people of Oyo Town that Governor Seyi Makinde has no anointed candidate. God Himself, the Almighty knows. T
“The governor never thought of it. To him, Oyo which is the cradle of Yoruba Land with the Alaafin who is the Head of Obas throughout Yoruba Land should have an Oba who befits their historical status. And by so doing, he has no candidate.
“The process for installation of a new Alaafin would have been concluded but for the case instituted at the Appeal Court. I am therefore assuring you that sooner than later, the whole issue will be resolved.”
The governor said in his charge to the newly elevated chiefs, “The importance of this chieftaincy is the starting point of elevation to any height. What you are getting today is the beginning of good things that are coming to your domains. By the grace of God, some of you will be elevated to Royal Highnesses.
“This upgrade not only brings honour to your communities but also serves as a testament to our government’s continued support of our cultural heritage and traditional institutions.”
The governor therefore charged the newly elevated chiefs to ensure that their domains are well secured and that any form of suspicious activity is reported promptly to the government.
“We believe that the traditional institutions play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in our communities.
“As recognized Chiefs, you are expected to work closely with the local and state government to ensure that our communities are safe and secure for all inhabitants. You should not give room to banditry, land grabbing and any form of terrorism in your domains. Congratulations!”
The twelve elevated chiefs are: Chief Olaniyi Adeoye Adegboye 111, (Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oyo); Chief David Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo of Aguo, Oyo); Chief Samuel Olusegun Odurinde (Alajagba of Ajagba, Oyo); Chief Isiaka Tella Titiloye (Ona Isokun of Isokun, Oyo); Chief Salawu Abu Oyeniran (Onigudugbu of Gudugbu, Oyo); Chief Jimoh Ajiboye Oyeleye (Alakeetan of Akeetan, Oyo).
Others are: Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye Busari (Alago- Oja, Oyo); Chief Abel Olufemi Oyekan (Elepe of Iseke); Chief Oyeleke Yusuf Isola (Onidode of Idode); Chief Tijani Ajekigbe Okunshinde (Alapaara of Apaara 1); Chief Adebisi Basiru Adebayo (Olotefon of Otefon, Oyo); and Chief Fakayode Moses Alowonle (Onimeleke of Imeleke 1). Oyo.
They are now qualified to attend the meetings of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs at the Parliament Building, Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
In attendance were some of the Oyomesi kingmakers including the Iba Samu of Oyo, High Chief Lamidi Oyewàle; the Agbaakin of Oyo, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda; the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Chief Mukaila Afonja; the former Speaker of the Oyo state House of Assembly Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; the former Speaker of the House of Assembly during the administration of Late Adebayo Alao-Akala (Rt. Hon. Moroof Atilola); and the four local government Chairmen in Oyo Town (Akeem Olukitobi- Oyo West; Wahab Adetunji- Atiba; Sola Oluokun- Oyo East; and Olufemi Aikomo- Afijio), among many others.
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