The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, described it as illegal, illegitimate, unlawful, and unconstitutional. The Oyo State government, through its Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, announced the appointment on Friday, 10th January 2025.
MURIC emphasized that the appointment is subjudice due to a pending court case regarding the selection process. The condemnation was issued in a press statement by Barrister Abdulwaheed Lawal, Chairman of MURIC’s Oyo State chapter, and Ambassador Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, Secretary of the same chapter.
MURIC Oyo in the statement stated;
“The appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, announced today by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, is illegal, illegitimate, unlawful, and unconstitutional. It represents the height of impunity.
“Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to proceed with this appointment, despite a pending court case and a recent letter from the Oyo Kingmakers expressing their dissatisfaction, is deeply troubling. The selection process should not have been restarted while the matter is still before the court. This appointment is therefore subjudice.
“Additionally, this action disregards the tradition and customs of the ancient town of Oyo Alaafin. It is a clear demonstration of lawlessness and a lack of respect for established procedures.”
