In a significant development within the Alaafin of Oyo succession process, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Office, has launched an inquiry into allegations of bribery involving Oyo kingmakers. These allegations have emerged in the wake of the vacant Alaafin of Oyo throne, which was left unoccupied following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April of the preceding year.
The allegations came to light through a petition filed by a candidate aspiring to claim the prestigious title of Alaafin. This candidate alleged that the kingmakers had accepted substantial bribes to sway their decision in favor of a particular candidate, casting a shadow over the integrity of the selection process. This alleged corruption raised enough concern for the EFCC to summon the kingmakers for a thorough investigation.
Only two of the summoned kingmakers, Oloye Agbaakin and Oloye Samu, responded to the EFCC’s invitation. In contrast, Basorun, Lagunna, and Akinniku were conspicuously absent during the proceedings, leaving questions regarding their involvement in the controversy.
The vacancy of the Alaafin of Oyo throne has been a subject of controversy for over a year. This is primarily due to the traditional role of the Oyomesi in selecting the next Alaafin, and the perceived opacity of the process. The Oyomesi is the designated body with the ancestral responsibility of choosing the next ruler.
In response to the allegations of bribery, the EFCC has stepped in, aiming to unravel the truth behind these claims. This investigation was initiated following the submission of a petition by one of the candidates competing for the vacant throne. The petitioner contends that the kingmakers received bribes amounting to millions of naira, casting doubt on the fairness and impartiality of the selection process.
The kingmakers summoned for questioning include Basorun of Oyo town, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola; Agbaakin of Oyo town, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda; Samu of Oyo town, High Chief Lamidi Oyewale; Lagunna of Oyo town, High Wakilu Oyedepo; and Akinniku of Oyo town. The EFCC ensured that upon their arrival, the kingmakers were accompanied by their legal representatives, who were tasked with assisting in the proceedings. During this process, they were requested to provide detailed statements defending their actions against the accusations outlined in the petitioner’s document.
High Chief Oyewale, one of the kingmakers, acknowledged that they had indeed been invited by the EFCC but chose not to make any further comments. He simply confirmed their attendance by saying, “Yes, we were invited. We have gone and come back.”
Despite the allegations and EFCC’s intervention, it appears that the kingmakers are determined to stand by their selection of the Alaafin-Elect. They assert that they will not alter the traditional process of selecting the Alaafin, which is carried out by the Oyomesi, despite the presence of petitions and ongoing EFCC investigations. According to sources, the belief is that Ifa, a prominent Yoruba divination system, does not play a role in selecting the new Alaafin, and the responsibility remains firmly with the Oyomesi, who have been entrusted with this vital tradition for generations.
The investigation into bribery allegations surrounding the vacant Alaafin of Oyo throne by the EFCC has intensified concerns regarding the transparency and integrity of the selection process. While some kingmakers have cooperated with the EFCC, others have chosen not to participate. This ongoing investigation raises important questions about the preservation of traditional methods in a changing landscape, where allegations of corruption have cast a shadow over the esteemed Alaafin succession process.
