Ibadan, January 20, 2026 — A civic group, the Oyo Heritage Forum, has petitioned the Oyo State House of Assembly, calling for an urgent investigation into the recent selection of the Alaafin of Oyo, citing alleged irregularities, political interference and growing legal disputes surrounding the process.
In a petition addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, the group urged lawmakers to initiate a legislative inquiry into the appointment of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, warning that the development has plunged the revered Alaafin stool into legal and political uncertainty.
The group alleged that the traditional kingmakers, known as the Oyo Mesi, had earlier reached a consensus in favour of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, in line with the 1961 Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration. According to the petitioners, the subsequent appointment of Oba Owoade by the state government amounted to a circumvention of traditional procedures, which they described as a dangerous precedent capable of undermining the integrity of traditional institutions.
The petition further referenced an ongoing court case filed by Prince Gbadegesin, noting that the matter has rendered the current monarch’s position legally vulnerable. The group also questioned the reliance on Ifa divination in the selection process, citing a 2022 High Court ruling which, they claimed, held that Ifa consultation is not a legal requirement under the existing chieftaincy declaration. In addition, they raised concerns over the alleged use of emergency warrant chiefs to validate the process.
The petitioners also accused the monarch of political partisanship and insubordination, citing his legal action against the Oyo State Government over the Oyo State Council of Obas (Further Amendments) Law 2025. They argued that such action, coupled with what they described as visible alignment with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), has further heightened tensions between the traditional institution and the state executive.
As part of their demands, the group called on the House of Assembly to convene a public hearing, invite surviving members of the Oyo Mesi to testify, and review the entire selection process to determine whether there was undue political influence. They also urged lawmakers to ensure full compliance with the 2025 law governing the rotational chairmanship of the Council of Obas.
The petition was signed by Otunba Dare Adelekan, Group Chief Executive of Probe Communications Group, who described the petition as a move to protect the sanctity of the Oyo throne and preserve public confidence in traditional institutions.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government and the Palace had not issued an official response to the allegations.