Alaafin Selection: The Money They Collected Will Not Go Unnoticed- Makinde

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has vowed to take legal action against individuals involved in bribery during the selection process for the new Alaafin of Oyo as reported by Punch on Monday.

Speaking on Monday during the presentation of the Staff of Office to the newly appointed Alaafin, Abimbola Owoade, at his office in Ibadan, Makinde warned those who might still be attempting to destabilize the traditional institutions in Oyo State. He vowed to prosecute anyone involved in financial misconduct and declared that the money collected during the bribery would not be overlooked.

“Those who are still hellbent on destabilising our traditional institutions in Oyo should beware — the government will not relent. We will prosecute them. The money they collected will not go unnoticed. Except the Kabiyesi forgive them, I will not forgive them either,” he added.

In his address, the governor stressed that the Alaafin stool is of great significance not only to Oyo State but to the entire Yoruba race. He made it clear that the selection process should not be marred by financial manipulation or corruption.

“The Alaafin stool is very important, not just to Oyo State but to the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool is not for sale. It is not a stool for us to toy with,” Makinde said.

He further condemned any attempts to politicize the royal institution and affirmed his commitment to ensuring that the selection process remains free from external interference.

Makinde disclosed that he had not met the new Alaafin, Abimbola Owoade, before the selection process, deliberately avoiding any prior knowledge of his profile or the profiles of other contenders.

“I met the prince for the first time in my life yesterday. I had never met him before. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool. It was deliberate because I didn’t want to add my own opinion or be in any way influenced,” the governor explained.

The governor also responded to claims that political considerations had influenced the selection process, asserting that the appointment was not motivated by politics. He emphasized that governance, once elected, is a serious matter and that his administration would not tolerate any actions that undermine the sanctity of traditional institutions.

“Politics and electioneering are games, but once you’ve been elected, governance is serious business,” Makinde said.