Gbadegesin Vs Owoade: We will prosecute whoever collected bribe for Alaafin stool – Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says those who received bribes for the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo designate would be prosecuted.

Makinde made this statement on Monday when he presented the staff of the office to Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo.

CityNews Nigeria reports that the presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition took place at the Oyo state government house in Ibadan, the capital city.

Recall that Makinde announced Owoade as the Alaafin-designate on Friday despite pushback from a five-member faction of the Oyomesi (kingmakers).

Those in the faction insisted on Lukman Gbadegesin as their preferred choice for Alaafin.

The other two members of the Oyomesi, in July 2024, told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, that Gbadegesin offered each of the five kingmakers N15 million during the Alaafin selection process.

Makinde, while presenting the instruments of office to the monarch, emphasized that the Alaafin stool would not be for sale under his watch.

The governor reiterated that those who sought to destabilise the traditional institution in the state will be prosecuted.

“The government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected, they will still be prosecuted.

“Except they go to Kabiyesi and apologise, if he forgives them, then I will also forgive them,” he said.