We haven’t recognised anyone as Alaafin-elect – Oyo govt

The Oyo State Government on Thursday disclosed that it has not approved or recognised anyone as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The Alaafin of Oyo stool became vacant after the transition of the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Atanda Olayiwola Adeyemi.

The monarch joined his ancestors at 83 after spending 52 years on the throne in April last year.

Reporters gathered that a rumour was rife on social media within and around the state on Wednesday that one of the contestants for the Alaafin of Oyo stool, Prince Lukman Mofojudola Ayinla Gbadegesin Agunloye, had been appointed as the new monarch.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, made this disclosure while speaking with reporters on Thursday.

Olatubosun, who spoke on behalf of the state government, insisted that the selection process of the new monarch is ongoing.

While speaking during a telephone conversation with reporters he urged residents to desist from spreading such rumour.

He added that due process would be followed in the selection of the new monarch.

He said, “As far as we are concerned, we must follow due process.

“The moment the process is completed, we will make it public.

“The process is ongoing. The state government has not approve or recognise anyone as new Alaafin of Oyo”.