Traditionalists Task Makinde, Kingmakers on Selection of New Alaafin
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
A traditionalists group, Ìsese Welfare Association (IWA), known as Ìsese Assembly, yesterday, called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and kingmakers in Oyo town to pick the most credible candidate that will be ready to identify with the traditional religion for the Alaafin throne.
The group in a statement yesterday by its National Coordinator, Barrister Aderemi Ifáòleèpin Aderemi and Secretary-General, Ifagbenuola Popoola, demanded an Alaafin that will not only openly identify with the Yoruba indigenous religion like the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, but also protect the interests of practitioners among other religions he will be presiding over in the ancient town.
It also urged Makinde and the Oyo-Mesi to speed up the selection process and fill the vacant throne of Alaafin, as whoever mounts the throne will be globally-revered among other traditional rulers in the country.
The statement read: “We implore the Ọ̀yọ́-Mèsì, who are the Kingmakers to make sure that whoever that is selected or chosen to be the next Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ must be Ìṣẹ̀ṣe inclined cum Ìṣẹ̀ṣe lover; and who is ready to openly identify with Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as a Yorùbá Indigenous Religion.
“That the appointing authority who is the Governor of Ọ̀yọ́ State should graciously appoint any eminently qualified candidate that will not only openly identify with Ìṣẹ̀ṣe religion, but, also help to promote the unique traditional practices in Ọ̀yọ́ Aláàfin, always.
“Further, we implore whoever wishes to be next Aláàfin to also have in mind that, the stool is meant for someone who will always respect and cherish Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.”
The group while appreciating the state government, kingmakers in Iseyin and Iseyin local government authority for arriving at a seamless process in picking a new Aseyin of Iseyin, called on the Aseyin-designate, Prince Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, to embrace Yoruba traditional practices in order for him to enjoy the throne as it is only the Yoruba culture, tradition, and belief system that embodies equality and peaceful cohabitation among residents.
