The Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Akinade Yussuf Ayoola Layinka, has lamented the high number of contestants applying to be on the stool of Alaafin, unlike in the olden days, but assured that the Ifa god would choose the right candidate.
Newsonline reports that Bashorun said the high number of contestants unlike in the olden days when you have not more than two people, the Oyo Mesi will not choose but that the Ifa oracle will choose the next Alaafin of Oyo.
Recall that the last Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Atanda Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, joined his ancestors at the age of 83, having ruled the Oyo ancient kingdom as the 45th Alaafin for 52 years.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, ‘Bode Durojaiye, High Chief Akinade said, “In a contest for the exalted traditional stool which involves more than a contestant, it would be counterproductive, naive and unacceptable for the Oyo Mesi members to pick a candidate through their discretion and without recourse to traditional divination.
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“In the olden days, contestants to the vacant stool of the Alaafin were usually not more than one or two, and not as many as they are presently. So, it is easier to select and choose who the next Alaafin would be.
“In the present day situation that more than forty contestants are vying for the Alaafin seat at a time, how would a right-thinking person expects us (Oyo Mesi) to use our discretion and just pick anyone we deem fit? After the screening, there is a need for divine consultation to lead us aright.
“The Oyo Mesi will never be self-centred, egoistic, covetous, money conscious, conscience less and take any retroactive steps that will make the anxious people in the town hurling stones at us on the choice of the Paramount Ruler and Head of the Yoruba. We will never be part of that. Oyo town is about the due process and we will not relent on that.”
Sources said about 119 Oyo princes had indicated interest in ascending the throne, out of which, 58 princes have been cleared.
