Alaafin stool: Despite my qualification, my name was deliberately removed— Prince Adesiyan cries to Gov. Makinde 

A member of Adesiyan Royal Family of Oyo, who is also  one of the aspirants to the throne of Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Jelili Adewale Adeyanju FCA, Prince Adeyanju Jelili Adesiyan, FCA has formally registered his observation as regards the way and manner by which 33 contestants were disqualified from the ascension to the throne of Alaafin of Oyo by Baba Iyaji.

Adesiyan, who equally called on the attention of appropriate authorities, alleged that Baba Iyaji, who is the nominating authority of Alaafin of Oyo aspirants committed illegalities in the selection process.

Prince Adesiyan claimed that the complaint had previously been brought before the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka, but that no action had been taken. The letter was addressed to Hon. Mrs. Mojisola Kafilat Olakojo, the Executive Chairperson of Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State, with copies to the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Oyo Mesi.

According to him, “it was observed that my name was deliberately removed from the list of eventual interviewed aspirants by Baba Iyaji despite the fact that I was eminently and justifiably qualified, No reasons were given by the Baba Iyaji for my disqualification.

“All efforts to seek redress in order for my name to be put among the selected few were rebuffed.

“An individual, whose name was purportedly submitted through my family (the Adesiyan Family) was among those interviewed despite protests from various quarters to that effect. The protest letters were submitted to both Baba Iyaji and Basorun of Oyo before and after the interview.

“This open and unhidden lopsidedness and favouritism on the part of Baba Iyaji were reported to the Bashorun of Oyo, the traditional head of the Oyo Mesi, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka, but no overriding actions were taken.

Dissatisfied with this development, Prince Adesiyan petitioned Atiba Local Government on 20th September 2022 to register the abnormalities and illegalities.

The angry prince continued, “However, petitions could not be successfully submitted until lately due to electioneering activities and other factors. I’m still waiting on the Chairperson to take the necessary official action on the situation.

As a result of the reasons given above, and in order not to jeopardize the process, he advised that Baba Iyaji should be made to subject all legitimate aspirants to the throne of Alaafin of Oyo to the true process and normal selection on merits bases.

To him, this is necessary in order for his name to be included among the qualified princes in the selection processes.