Alaafin: ‘It Is Disheartening That Makinde Continues To Make Statements That Cast Aspersion On Our Integrity’ – Oyomesi

Kingmakers in Oyo have expressed dismay over Governor Seyi Makinde‘s public statement against them amidst the appointment of the new Alaafin, Abimbola Akeem Owoade.

Naijaonpoint recalls that Makinde appointed a new Alaafin of Oyo and presented the staff of office to him on Monday, disregarding Oyomesi’s recommendation of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin.

In a letter to the Governor signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, the Oyomesi frowned at the public statements of Makinde regarding the kingmakers, stressing that it cast aspersion on their integrity.

The Oyomesi challenged Governor Makinde to present any evidence he has against them in court and refrain from his campaign of calumny against their personalities.

The kingmakers added that they remained committed to upholding the traditions and customs of the Oyo Kingdom and, as such, consider the continued attempt at public trial of their character as unwarranted and unbecoming of the high standards expected of the office of the Governor.

The letter read, “We recognize Your Excellency’s right to defend your actions in court, given the ongoing legal challenge to your recent decision. However, we respectfully remind Your Excellency that the court is the appropriate forum for presenting evidence and arguments.

“The Oyomesi, in their respect for the high office of the Governor of Oyo State, have refrained from joining issues with you in the public arena. It is, therefore, disheartening that Your Excellency continues to make public statements that cast aspersions on their integrity.

“We urge Your Excellency to refrain from resorting to a trial by media or the court of public opinion in a bid to confer legitimacy on recent unlawful acts of the state, under your command. If there is any evidence to support these allegations, we respectfully advise that it should be brought before the court, where it can be properly examined and addressed.

“Publicly maligning the Oyomesi, who custodians of tradition and highly respected in the Oyo Kingdom, undermines not only their reputation but also the sanctity of the ongoing judicial process and defamatory of our clients.”