The Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has been accused of making deliberate attempts to erode the cultural values of Yoruba people through his actions in the recent appointment of a new Aláàfin of Oyo.
A socio-cultural group known as the Yoruba Heritage Collectives (YHC) has accused the governor of turning the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people by jettisoning the conventional protocols for the selection of traditional rulers.
A press statement signed by the Chairman of YHC, Dr. Hassan Adeshiyan in reaction to Makinde’s appointment of a new Alaafin said that the action by the governor is disrespectful to the revered culture of Oyo Kingdom which has an age-long tradition of having the Oyomesi undertake the duty of selecting the Alaafin.
“What Governor Makinde has done is inconceivable as electing a Pope without a conclave.
“Governor Makinde has made a distasteful advertisement to the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people by going against norms and conventions in the selection of an Alaafin.
“It is a well known convention that historically, the Oyomesi is saddled with the responsibility of making the appointment of an Alaafin.
“It has never happened that someone would apply his whims in making a unilateral decision of appointing a high ranking king, not the least someone in the stature of the Alaafin.
“What Governor Making did is a disservice to the brand of Oyo State and an utter embarrassment to the people of Oyo Kingdom who have prided themselves as custodians of Yoruba culture and values, so the saying: ‘A ji se be Oyo laa ri; Oyo kii se bi baba enikan.’
The group states further that it is expected of all lovers of Yoruba history and transition to solidly stand in support of the Oyomesi who have resisted the arm-twisting of Governor Makinde since the process of occupying the Alaafin stool began.
“All Yoruba sons and daughter must resist and reject the aberration as caused by Governor Makinde.
“The position of the Alaafin of Oyo is too big to be appointed by a governor as though the Alaafin were a commissioner.
“We urge Governor Makinde to desist from further action that cast aspersions to the culture and traditions of every people.
“The Alaafin is for Oyo people who have developed ancient procedures in electing their king. What Makinde has done is to rubbish the culture and values of the Oyo people and the Yoruba people in general,” the group concluded.
