‘No Plan To Dethrone Alaafin’ Oyo Assembly Denies Receiving Petition on Alaafin Selection

The Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed reports suggesting that it is entertaining petitions over the selection of the Alaafin, clarifying that no such petition has been received by the legislature.
In a joint statement, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman, representing Oyo East/Oyo West State Constituency, and the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, representing Atiba State Constituency, stated that the Assembly has not been approached on the matter in any official capacity.
The lawmakers emphasized that the House only considers petitions that fall within its constitutional and statutory responsibilities. According to them, issues relating to chieftaincy matters, including the selection of traditional rulers, are governed by existing laws and well-established administrative and traditional processes, and therefore lie outside the jurisdiction of the legislature.
They further advised that any grievances concerning chieftaincy matters should be directed to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters or taken before courts of competent jurisdiction, in line with provisions of the law.
The lawmakers urged the public to disregard any claims suggesting legislative involvement in the Alaafin selection process, reaffirming the House’s commitment to constitutional order and due process.