Alaafin: Oyo kingmakers disagree on shortlisted candidates
The vacant Alaafin of Oyo stool has drawn disagreement among the kingmakers, known traditionally as the Oyo Mesi.
Chief Yussuf Ayoola, the head of the Oyo Mesi, who is also the Basorun of Oyo, Friday authored a list of 10 shortlisted candidates.
Ayoola, through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, said that “whoever (among the prices) emerges among the shortlisted aspirants will be the candidate and the next Alaafin of Oyo.”
He added the state government knew about the proceedings to select the next king.
The high chief urged decorum among the people, warning they “should watch their utterances and refrain from reckless comments capable of causing an implosion”.
“People entrusted with the peace and tranquility of the town should not just rush to the press for mischief. It is better for one to find out about what he or she doesn’t know from the authentic source, than going to the press to cause disaffection,” he said.
However, another member of the Oyo Mesi, Chief Lamidi Olayanju, said he was not consulted on the shortlisted candidates.
Olayanju, who is the Iba Samu of Oyo, said he heard the news on the radio and thereafter contacted Ayoola, who confirmed he directed the announcement. Olayanju however said he and three other members of the Oyo Mesi knew nothing about the list. “We don’t know anything about it, we didn’t know when he picked them, so, we can’t abide by such.
“If we agree with him and the remaining contestants drag all of us to court, how are we going to defend what we were not part of?, he equipped an interviewer seeking his view about the selection.
PUNCH
