Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has given a stern warning to those who think that the stool of Alaafin of Oyo, is for sale, should have a rethink and erase such thoughts from their minds.
Recall that the stool became vacant in April 2022, due to the death of the immediate past Alaafin, the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and even since, there has not been a replacement .
He gave the warning at the commissioning of a satellite campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, in Iseyin, which houses Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources.
Makinde stated that he had approved the selection of new Aseyin of Iseyin, and added that coronation and presentation of staff of office to Prince Sefiu Olawale Oyebola as the new Aseyin of Iseyin would take place soon. Another approval granted by Governor Makinde also led to the installation of new Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, in September this year. The stool of Soun was vacant from December 2021 to September 2023.
The governor, however, appealed to the princes fighting over the section of new Alaafin in Oyo town to give peace a chance, so that the town could have new monarch.
“Some people have been abusing me that I did not install new kings. Have I not given my approval for a new king in Iseyin? Are you happy about it? So, I look forward to coming back for coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new Aseyin.
“The Oyos, you can see that we have linked Iseyin with Oyo now. It is only 22 minutes drive. Don’t fight again, let us have the chance to approve new Alaafin for you.
“Those that have gone to take money from somebody should know that Alaafin’s stool is not for sale.
“The stool is so important to Yorubaland that we shall not sell it. If you have gone to collect money, I will not take you to OYACA (Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency), but EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)”, Makinde said.