The state Commissioner for Information dismissed the rumoured emergence of Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect, saying the state government is yet to approve any candidate.

Gov Seyi Makinde

The government of Oyo state has dismissed reports that an Alaafin-elect had emerged one year after the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun disclosed the information in an interview with Punch.

He dismissed the rumoured emergence of Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect, saying the state government is yet to approve any candidate.

The commissioner explained that the government was bent on ensuring that due process was followed in the race for a new Alaafin of Oyo, adding that the public would be notified once the right candidate emerges.

Olatunbosun said, “Due process must be followed; up until now, no name has been approved. The state governor, Seyi Makinde, has asked that they should go back and follow due process. Once that is done, the public will be briefed appropriately.”

The last Alaafin died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83, after reigning for 52 years. One year after his death, the throne has remained vacant.