Alaafin stool’s screening stalled as prominent Oyo kingmaker dies

By Bisi Adewumi

The screening exercise of contestants for the stool of Alaafin of Oyo has been hampered by the death of a  prominent kingmaker and member of the traditional council (Oyomesi), Abdul Rasheed Shehu.

The authorities of Oyo East Local Government in a statement confirmed his death.

The statement reads, “With a heavy heart, and submission to the will of Allah, the Management of Oyo East Local Government regrets to announce the passing of the High Chief, the Alapinni of Oyo Land, Alh. Abdul-Rasheed Shehu early this morning Sunday 18th Sept. 2022.

Burial arrangement will come up at his residence today at 4:00PM. May Almighty Allah repose his soul in Aljanna Fridaus.”

The death of Rasheed is coming amidst the tussle in the race for the Alaafin of Oyo’s stool.

It must be noted that the deceased has been absent at the ongoing screening and interview of the aspirants vying for the stool of Alaafin of Oyo. His absence has been attributed to his ill health, which has generated concerns before his eventual demise.