Court to hear kingmakers’ suit against Makinde Thursday

The case was filed by five kingmakers, also known as Oyo Mesi, who are opposing the selection and appointment process for the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.

The throne was left vacant following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April 2022, after a 52-year reign.

The claimants in the case, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola (Basorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo (Laguna of Oyo), High Chief Amuda Yusuf (Akiniku of Oyo), High Chief Waheed Oyetunji (Areago Basorun of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (Alapo of Oyo), were all present in court.

The lead counsel for the claimants, Kazeem Sobaloju (SAN), requested a stay of status quo until the determination of the substantive suit.

Sobaloju argued, “The claimants have two motions before the court. Motion ex parte on an interim order of injunction and motion of notice on the interlocutory injunction.”

However, the counsel for the defendants, E.O. Ojebisi, stated that they had not received the motions within the required five-day notice period.

Ojebisi requested more time to file a counter affidavit.

In response, Sobaloju urged the court to grant an order of stay of status quo due to the urgency of the matter. He explained that the kingmakers had already fulfilled their traditional role in selecting the new Alaafin, but the governor had instructed them to restart the process.

Justice Ladiran Akintola advised the counsels to agree on a date for the hearing, as there was no urgency in the matter. He also allowed the defendants to be joined in the suit with the filing of a counter affidavit.

Justice Akintola adjourned the hearing until Thursday, October 2.

Meanwhile, some indigenes of Oyo town staged a peaceful protest at the entrance of the High Court, expressing their frustration with the delay in selecting a new Alaafin.

They held placards with various inscriptions, such as “Oyo Mesi follow tradition not money,” “Alaafin stool is not for sale,” “On Alaafin: Let dignity reign,” and “Alaafin: Due process, Ife consultation are sacrosanct,” among others.

They appealed to Governor Makinde to use his authority to facilitate the selection of the paramount ruler.