Oyo State Chieftaincy Dispute: Lawsuit Dismissed as Claimants Withdraw
In a recent legal development in Oyo State, Nigeria, the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, and four other claimants filed a lawsuit against the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and two others, only for the case to be dismissed by the Oyo High Court sitting in the Awe area of the state. The claimants were notably absent during the court’s ruling on Thursday.
The Chieftaincy dispute in Oyo State revolves around the selection and appointment of the candidate for the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo. The Kingmakers in Oyo town, commonly referred to as Oyo Mesi, initiated legal action against the governor and the state’s Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters, as well as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Their objective was to prevent any interference with the selection process.
In the lawsuit bearing the reference HOY/38/2023, the claimants challenging the alleged interference in the traditional selection process included the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola; Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo; Akiniku of Oyo, High Chief Amuda Yusuf; Areago Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Waheed Oyetunji; and Alapo of Oyo, who also serves as the Warrant Officer for Alaapini of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau. However, during the court proceedings, all these claimants were absent.
Justice Ladiran Akintola presided over the case and made a ruling in response to the claimants’ absence. Given that the claimants had withdrawn their lawsuit, Justice Akintola ordered the case to be struck out. This marked a significant development in the legal battle surrounding the appointment of the Alaafin of Oyo candidate.
Despite the dismissal of the initial lawsuit, the claimants have not abandoned their pursuit of legal remedies. They have proceeded to file a fresh suit, identified as HOY/14/2023. The presiding Justice for this new case has indicated that the date for the hearing will be communicated to both parties.
The Chieftaincy dispute in Oyo State, Nigeria, involving the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, and other claimants, against the Oyo State Governor and government officials, highlights the intricate relationship between tradition and governance in the region. The withdrawal of the initial lawsuit and the subsequent filing of a new one demonstrate the significance and complexity of the issues related to the traditional selection of the Alaafin of Oyo, and the importance of preserving the autonomy of the Kingmakers in this process.
As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the courts will address the concerns and demands of the claimants, as well as the potential implications for the cultural and historical significance of the Alaafin of Oyo position in Oyo State, Nigeria. The matter is far from resolved, making it an ongoing and important issue for all parties involved.
