The unfolding drama surrounding the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo took a fresh twist as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensified its investigation into allegations of bribery involving Prince Lukman Gbadegesin and members of the Oyo kingmakers.
The controversy dates back to the selection process for the revered stool of the Alaafin of Oyo following the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.
While several candidates jostled for the throne, Gbadegesin’s candidacy came under scrutiny after claims emerged that he offered the kingmakers N15 million each to secure their endorsement.
Two Oyomesi chiefs, Lamidi Oyewale and Asimiyu Atanda, reportedly confessed to the EFCC that the kingmakers had accepted the bribe, influencing their decision to declare Gbadegesin the preferred candidate.
According to court proceedings, EFCC counsel S.M. Galadanchi stated that both Oyewale and Atanda admitted to receiving the money during the selection process.
The EFCC probe gained momentum after the Oyo State Government rejected Gbadegesin’s selection, citing irregularities and lack of adherence to due process. Governor Seyi Makinde subsequently withheld approval of any candidate, further deepening the tension within Oyo Town.
In a dramatic turn of events, five kingmakers, including Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo, and other chiefs, accused Governor Makinde of overstepping his bounds by ordering a fresh selection process. They alleged the governor’s interference undermined an ongoing court case and labeled his directive as illegal.
Despite the allegations, Gbadegesin’s troubled past has added fuel to the fire. Investigations revealed that the prince was involved in a multimillion-naira debt scandal.
A UK-based friend, Omosalewa Akinleye, accused him of defaulting on a N20 million loan, which later ballooned to N48 million due to unpaid interest. Gbadegesin’s issuance of dud cheques to repay the loan further tarnished his reputation.
Public reactions to the saga have been mixed, with many Oyo indigenes expressing disappointment over the controversies overshadowing the Alaafin stool. While some applaud the EFCC’s involvement, others question the morality of the entire selection process.
As the investigation deepens, observers are eager to see whether the revered throne will be freed from the grip of scandal or if it will remain embroiled in controversy. For now, all eyes remain on the EFCC, the court, and Governor Makinde’s next move.
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