The Oyo State High Court took a significant step on Thursday, dismissing a lawsuit filed by kingmakers challenging Governor Makinde’s involvement in the selection process for the next Alaafin.
According to reports from The PUNCH Newspaper, Justice Ladiran Akintola struck out the suit after the kingmakers’ counsel, Kazeem Sobaloju (SAN), represented by I.B Olayinka, opted to withdraw it.
The claimants, represented by prominent figures such as the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, sought a court injunction to prevent the governor and his agents from overruling their chosen candidate for the vacant Alaafin throne.
The revered ancient stool had been vacant since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, in April of the previous year. The kingmakers asserted that they had duly selected Prince Lukman Gbadegesin as the rightful successor.
In the lawsuit marked HOY/38/2023, they specifically requested an order restraining the governor from nullifying their choice and appointing someone else.
On the scheduled day for hearing, the claimants’ lawyer informed Justice Akintola about filing an application for discontinuance. Simultaneously, a new suit marked HOY/14/2023 had been filed as a replacement.
Addressing journalists outside the courtroom, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, who is the second defendant in the matter, acknowledged the withdrawal, hinting at possible corrections or case improvement.
The claimants’ counsel emphasized waiting for details on the new date for hearing, stating, “Let’s wait for the new date; the substituting matter is HOY/41/2023.”
