News
Alaafin: Selection Process Suffers Fresh Setback As 9 Royal Families Protest
The ongoing selection process for the new Alaafin of Oyo has suffered another setback. This is owing to a renewed call for inclusion by nine royal families who said they were also entitled to the stool.
Alaafin of Oyo stool became vacant as a result of the demise of the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Atanda Olayiwola Adeyemi 111.
The monarch who reigned for 52 years joined his ancestors at the age of 83.
Since the demise of the traditional ruler, the ancient town is yet to have a new monarch.
Available information made available to DAILY POST revealed that 119 aspirants were shortlisted but only 57 people were interviewed.
Baba Iyaji, the head of princes in Oyo submitted all the application to the Bashorun of Oyo
A letter was then sent from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy in conjunction with Atiba Local Government directing the Baba Iyaji to attend to only Agunloye ruling house.
But it seems the process is encountering a major challenge as nine royal families in the town said that they had been sidelined.
They noted that there is a pending court case challenging the selection process.
The families then urged the State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde not to approve the appointment of the new monarch until the pending court case is resolved.
They made the demand while addressing a press conference recently at Akinmorin town near Oyo.
The nine royal families are: Adeitan family, Olanite family, Tella Agbojulogun, Tella Okitipapa family, Adediran Ese Apata family, Adesokan Baba Idode family, Adesiyan family, Abidekun family and Adelabu Baba Ibadan family.
They were represented by Prince Adesina Afolabi (Adeitan family), Prince Lamola Olanite (Olanite family), Prince Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun family), Prince Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa family), Prince Raji Adediran (Adediran Ese Apata family), Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode family), Prince Adesiyan (Adesiyan family) Prince Bello Rasheed (Abidekun family) and Prince Agboin Adelabu Adelabu Baba Ibadan family, at the press conference.
According to them: “We are using this opportunity to thank the Governor for his commitment to promoting good governance, transparency and accountability in our state. We urge him to continue to prioritise the well-being of the people and always uphold the rule of law in all matters.
“In essence, the request is for the Governor of Oyo state to refrain from taking any further action regarding the selection of a new Alaafin until the court case that has been filed against the chieftaincy declaration of the Alaafin is resolved.
“This is to ensure that the process of selecting a new Alaafin is conducted in a transparent and just manner, as stipulated by the law. It would be unfair to appoint a new Alaafin while the court case is still pending.
“It is important that the governor recognises the significance of the traditional institution and ensures that a fair and just process is followed in selecting the next Alaafin.
“Therefore, it is important for Governor Makinde to maintain the status quo and respect the autonomy of the traditional institution until the court case is resolved. This will not only ensure a smooth transition process but serve as a testament to the Governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice and equity in the state.
“It is essential that Governor Makinde prioritises the resolution of the court case before any action is taken with regard to the appointment of a new Alaafin. This will ensure that the process is transparent, fair and just as required by the law.
“Gentlemen of the press, it is time to put an end to the years of discrimination that has plagued the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo in the past.
“The nine Atiba children have been marginalised for too long, and it is only fair that they are given a chance to ascend the throne. We urge the Governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the nine Atiba children.
“The ministry of local government and Chieftaincy has been found to have a defective process and it is crucial that equity and justice are upheld in the selection of the new Alaafin. We cannot afford to have a flawed process that will only perpetuate the marginalisation of nine out of the children of Alaafin Atiba.
“As a government that values justice and equity, we implore the Governor to act in the interest of the people and uphold the findings of the competence commission of enquiry into the stool of Alaafin. This will not only promote equity and fairness but also help to foster unity and inclusiveness in the community.
“Therefore, we call on the Governor to make history by selecting the new king from among the marginalised Atiba children and setting a precedent to future selection process”.
We urge the court to declare 1976 report as the only legal instrument to select new Alaafin- Prince Afolabi
Meanwhile, one of the members of the nine royal families, Prince Adesina Afolabi has said that the nine families have approached the court to declare the 1976 report as the only legal instrument in selection of new Alaafin.
Afolabi, who is from Adeitan royal family, made this disclosure while speaking with DAILY POST.
He added that the nine Atiba royal families have asked the court to declare Atiba Ruling House as the only Ruling House in Oyo.
He said, “119 were shortlisted, but 57 were interviewed, while 62 people were disqualified. 28 candidates are from the nine royal families.
“Baba Iyaji submitted all the application to the Bashorun of Oyo, a letter was then sent from Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy in conjunction with Atiba Local Government directing the Baba Iyaji to attend to only Agunloye Ruling House based on the defective Chieftaincy Declaration. No official communication to us based on the exclusion of the Atiba 9 on the list.
“In the year 2020, we asked the court to declare the Chieftaincy Declaration defective.
“We are praying to the court to declare the 1976 report as the only legal instrument to select a new Alaafin, asking the court to enforce the Atiba Ruling House as the only Ruling House in Oyo.
“Finally, an interlocutory injunction to stop the ongoing process to choose the new Alafin by Oyomesi, Atiba Local Government, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy, Attorney General of Oyo state and the Governor of Oyo state. The case is at court 1, under Justice Akintola.”
Lawyers speak, express divergent views
Meanwhile, some lawyers have expressed their views over the lingering issue.
An Ibadan based legal practitioner, Barrister Abiodun Amole, said that the families’ position is in order.
He explained that once a matter is subjudice, that is, before a court of law, no action or step can be taken on it pending its hearing and final determination.
Amole said, “The families’ position is in order. Once a matter is subjudice, that is, before a court of law, no action or step can be taken on it pending its hearing and final determination.
“The whole essence of that legal proposition is to preserve the res, that is, the subject matter of the pending suit from being destroyed or tampered with so as not to frustrate or render nugatory the decision of the court at the end of the day.
“It simply means that the Oyo State Government ought to put on hold the selection of a new Alaafin of Oyo pending the determination of the court cases pertaining to the stool”.
A human rights lawyer, Barrister Femi Aborisade when contacted, also noted that if a matter is in court, no one should take any step to change the state of the matter.
He said, “In principle, if a matter is in court, no one should take any step to change the state of the matter.
“But it has to be determined that it is the same subject matter that is in court”.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, when contacted, said that he did not receive any communication regarding the request of the nine families.
He made this disclosure during a telephone conversation with DAILY POST.
Olaleye, who spoke with DAILY POST on Tuesday said, “I cannot react to a paper that is not before me.
“If there is communication, I will react. You are the one just talking about it now. If there is a communication before me, I will look at it.
“If I have a communication in respect of what you have said, I can address it. I cannot react to what the newspaper wrote or a press conference that I am not aware of.”
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede has declared that he has fulfilled his 2024 promise to oversee the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Addressing public questions regarding his previous vow to resign if Bello was not prosecuted, Olukoyede stated during an interview on Sunday Politics aired by Channels Television that his mandate to investigate and bring the matter to court has been achieved.
“A sitting governor, because he knew he was about to leave office, moved money directly from government to a bureau de change and used it to pay his child’s school fees in advance $720,000,” Olukoyede said.
He described the alleged action as disturbing, particularly in view of the economic condition of Kogi State.
“In a poor state like Kogi, you want me to close my eyes to that under the excuse that I am being used? Being used by who at this stage of my life?” he asked.
Olukoyede also recalled a public statement he made in April 2024, when he vowed to resign if Bello was not prosecuted.
“If I do not personally oversee the completion of the investigation regarding Yahaya Bello, I will tender my resignation as the chairman of the EFCC,” he had said.
Addressing public concerns over the pace of the case, the EFCC chairman said the commission had fulfilled its responsibility and that the matter is now before the courts.
“Have I not fulfilled that promise? Is Yahaya Bello not being prosecuted? The case is in court,” he said.
He stressed that the EFCC’s role is to investigate and prosecute, not to determine guilt or secure convictions.
“I have three cases against Yahaya Bello. Am I the judge who will decide conviction? I have done my work and fulfilled my mandate,” Olukoyede added.
Bello is currently facing multiple charges before different courts. He is standing trial on a 16-count charge involving alleged property fraud amounting to N110 billion, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
In a separate case before the Federal High Court, the former governor is also facing a 19-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering involving N80.2 billion.
The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted in April 2024 over alleged financial crimes estimated at about N80 billion, a development that sparked widespread political debate.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Salim Musa (known as @AM_Saleeeem on X), a prominent critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku’s statement characterized the arrest as part of a “growing crackdown on dissent” and warned that such repression threatens Nigeria’s democratic future as the nation approaches a critical general election period.
Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Monday, following a report by Amnesty International Nigeria on the arrest of the young Nigerian on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
“This case is yet another stark example of the repressive nature of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which continues to bare its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism,” Atiku said.
According to him, Musa’s only offence was his persistent criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.
“Abubakar’s only ‘offense’ was his consistent and legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country,” he stated.
Rather than engage with the concerns raised, Atiku said the government resorted to intimidation and prosecution.
“Instead of addressing these serious concerns, the government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty International rightly describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial,” he added.
The former vice president stressed that Musa’s arrest was not an isolated incident, noting that several Nigerians had suffered similar treatment for expressing dissent.
“Numerous Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers and even NYSC members, have faced arrest, assault and intimidation simply for criticising the President or members of his family,” Atiku said.
He warned that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” he said.
Atiku further argued that Nigeria’s democratic credentials were being eroded by the continued repression of critics.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government,” he stated.
With general elections approaching, Atiku cautioned against an atmosphere of fear and repression.
“As the nation approaches a critical general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” he warned.
He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Musa and others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.
“I call on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights,” Atiku said.
He also urged the government to halt arbitrary arrests and intimidation, while calling on the international community to intervene.
“I urge the international community, particularly countries and organisations that champion democracy and human rights, to hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations,” he said.
Atiku concluded by calling on Nigerians and civil society groups to resist any further erosion of civil liberties.
“I encourage fellow patriots, civil society groups and all Nigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms,” he added.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
I Have Delivered On Yahaya Bello Prosecution Promise — EFCC Chairman Olukoyede
Atiku Issues Stern Warning To Tinubu Govt Over Detention Of Critic Abubakar Musa
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Corruption Battle: Dangote Drags Ex-NMDPRA Boss To EFCC After ICPC Withdrawal
Rivers Crisis: Full List Of 8 Misconduct Allegations Against Governor Fubara
Panic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert
Wizkid Becomes First African Artist To Enter Spotify’s 10 Billion Streams Elite
-
News2 days agoHow Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
-
News1 day agoBoko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
-
News3 hours agoAtiku Issues Stern Warning To Tinubu Govt Over Detention Of Critic Abubakar Musa
-
News3 hours agoI Have Delivered On Yahaya Bello Prosecution Promise — EFCC Chairman Olukoyede