Oyo state government begins screening of Alaafin aspirants
The traditional Head of the Oyo royal ruling families has submitted a list of princes aspiring to the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo to the state government.
Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Muilaila Afonja submitted a list of 86 princes to the Atiba Local Government secretariat, who is the custodian of the royal palace of the Alaafin.
Who are those on the list?
According to a report By Premium Times, those prominent in the list include Lukman Gbadegesin, a former public servant in the Obasanjo Administration; Lawrence Ladigbolu, a retired archbishop, Kabir Gbadegesin, a one-time House of Representatives aspirant in the Accord party; and Ayo Sanda, a civil servant.
Sources among the shortlisted princes, Oyo Mesi, and the local government said the screening of the princes will start on Monday, September 5, 2022.
How will the screening exercise be done?
According to the report, 10 princes will be interviewed by the Oyo Mesi (the traditional council of Kingmakers) each day, in the presence of government officials, making the screening hold for about two weeks.
A member of the Oyo Mesi said the interviews would focus on the background, social capital, network, and leadership abilities of the aspirants and their knowledge of history and cultural values as well as how much they are able to demonstrate the ability to provide a Pan-Yoruba traditional leadership.
After the screening and consultations with diviners, the Oyo Mesi will advise the state government of the selection of the 45th Alaafin.
