Traditional and spiritual head of Ogboni confraternity, Oba Abdul Olakisan has warned kingmakers in Oyo kingdom against politicising the selection of the new Alafin of Oyo.

The monarch frowned at intrigues allegedly being introduced into the selection process of the first class monarch, saying tradition and culture of Oyo kingdom must be strictly followed in the selection of a next Alafin.

Already, no fewer than 60 princes from different ruling houses have signified intention to contest for the vacant stool.

The head of Ogboni confraternity, who expressed displeasure on the dimensions assumed by the selection process, urged Oyo State government to ensure that due process, culture and tradition are strictly followed in the selection process.

“Since the demise of our late father, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the former Alafin of Oyo, there have been torrents of speculations about the emergence of his successor and the criteria for selection.

“As a traditionalist and custodian of culture, it is important and equally expedient to publicly inform the government of Oyo State, Basorun of Oyo (the head of kingmakers) and all Oyomesi (the kingmakers) that the position of Alafin of Oyo must not be politicised, monetized but mainly traditionalised. Yes, there are many Princes, but only one of them will be a king, not two. Any mistake will spell doom on Yoruba land, and not only Oyo town.

“The mistake we made in selecting some Yoruba Obas in the past must not be repeated to save our culture. I have seen a Yoruba king claiming he was not choosen by Ifa oracle and he preffered to be addressed as Emir in Yoruba land. Any attempt to select a king without the consultation of Ifa oracle or manipulating the directives of Ifa oracle is going to result in calamity.

“The exalted stool demand for somebody who is well cultured, rooted in history and heavenly ordained. Enough is enough, let us do the right thing and not good thing. Not all good things are right for a particular place, time and people,” he said. (Daily Sun)

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