The process of selecting a new Alaafin of Oyo to fill the vacuum created after the demise of Oba Lamide Atanda Adeyemi has suffered a setback. The Oyo kingship stool became vacant in April 2022 after the death of Oba Adeyemi. The traditional ruler, who reigned for 52 years, joined his ancestors at the age of 83.
After the mourning period, 119 candidates were selected to replace the monarch, but 57 among them were interviewed, after which the names of the interviewed candidates were submitted to the state government.
However, a letter was then sent from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in conjunction with Atiba Local Government Council, directing the chiefs in council to attend to only Agunloye Ruling House. Nine families from the ruling house had to go to court to challenge the letter sent from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. According to them, the nine families from the ruling house have been sidelined in the process of selection. The families then urged Governor Seyi Makinde not to approve the appointment of the new monarch until the pending court case is resolved. The nine royal families include 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.
The nine Atiba royal families asked the court to declare Atiba Ruling House as the only Ruling House in Oyo state. They also want 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.
