A traditionalist based in Imesi-Ile, Osun State, Oba Adetoyese Olakisan, has warned kingmakers in Oyo town against manipulating the selection process of the new Alaafin of Oyo.
Olakisan, who is popularly known as Oba Ogboni Agbaye, in a statement obtained in Osogbo, Sunday, said a wrong appointment may have a negative effect on Yorubaland and not only on Oyo.
He insisted that Ifa (oracle) should be allowed to choose the next Alaafin without manipulation, adding that past mistakes of appointing a wrong candidate as monarch should be avoided in the choice of the new Alaafin.
The statement further read in part, “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 Alaafin of Oyo must not be politicised, monetised but must be traditional.
“There are many princes but only one of them is a king, not two. Any mistake in the choice of the new Alaafin will spell doom for Yorubaland and not only for Oyo town.
“Any attempt to select a king without Ifa oracle consultation or manipulating the directives of Ifa oracle is going to be a calamity waiting to happen. The exalted stool must be filled by someone who is well cultured, rooted in history and heavenly ordained.”
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