In their quest to get a traditional ruler who represents their interest and development, residents and indigenes of Oyo town in Oyo State, South-West Nigeria, have told journalists that they are pushing for the candidacy of Prince Dr. Ajibade Adeladan (from Agunloye ruling house) knowing full well that he would improve on the legacies left by the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III and further the fortunes of the people.
The people of Oyo town, Nigeria and the Diaspora woke up to the news of the passage of the Oba Adeyemi and since then, there have been clamours that the choice of the next Alaafin of Oyo should be driven by the goal to make Oyo and Yoruba race greater.
Many residents who spoke with journalists reported that they are desirous of ensuring that the next Alaafin would be more concerned about developing the social and economic potential of the people.
Nojeem Alasepe, an economist and also an indigene of Oyo told journalists that Oyo needs to be economically positioned for growth, insisting that Prince Adeladan as Alaafin would ensure that. According to him, “It is indeed true that the last Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi did what he could but we have not got to where we should be. Oyo is a very traditional place but we have to come out and take our pride of place as a foremost place in the development of the Yoruba race. I want Prince Adeladan to be the next Alaafin. He has all it takes to reposition the social and economic life of this ancient place.”
For a local teacher in the town, Nike Bakare, education remains crucial and a traditional ruler who prioritises education would bring sustainable growth to his subjects. According to her, ‘For me, education is key. We want a traditional ruler who can further help in the area of education for our children. At the moment we have two universities in Oyo but we are sure that with an Alaafin that understands the value of education, Oyo can be better in that regard.’
Moshood Gbadegesin, a radio personality and an indigene of Oyo, threw his weight behind the candidacy of Dr. Ajibade Adeladan. “I have read and reviewed the various aspirants’ resume. There are many educated Oyo indigenes both home and abroad. It is crucial that we get it right. Dr. Adeladan is an achiever and he is one who understands what development is. I strongly advise that if the Oyomesi and the various stakeholders are interested in the development of our people, town and the Yoruba race, then they should make Dr. Adeladan the next Alaafin. He can deliver and he will deliver,” he appealed.
Hairstylist, Moria Idowu, also added her voice. “We want Prince Adeladan as Alaafin because we have always known him to be passionate about the empowerment of young people and those who are underprivileged. This is important for us. He has always shown readiness to assist and he has done so whenever the opportunity arose. The stakeholders and the authorities should make him the Alaafin of Oyo and we are sure that we will experience the progress that we want.”
For online journalist and resident of Oyo, Abeni Buraimoh, “making Prince Adeladan the next Alaafin of Oyo will impact greatly on us and transform Oyo’s reputation. We need a traditional ruler that will bring us to the limelight especially in this age and time. There are so many advancements in human technology that should be introduced to Oyo town. We need this and we are confident that with Dr. Adeladan’s exposure, development is guaranteed.”
For Gbenga Abdulaziz, whoever becomes the next Alaafin of Oyo is crucial to the development of that axis, saying the choice of Prince Adeladan should be accepted. “As a politician, I know that it is important that we get it right in this selection. Politics determines who gets what. It is important that Oyo gets a person like Prince Adeladan as the next Alaafin. He can drive development to us.”
Adedire Disu, a civil rights advocate, stated that the next Alaafin should be selected with the interest of the people in mind. According to him, “I am a proud indigene of Oyo. I came to celebrate the Sallah festival with my extended family. The need to appoint an Alaafin that has all the ingredients of leadership and one who is ready to serve is very crucial at this point. I have known Prince Adeladan for a long time. Even though I no longer reside in Oyo, I keep a tab on things that happen here. Adeladan will bring the needed growth that our people need. As a lawyer and civil rights advocate, I want our people to get an Alaafin like Prince Adeladan that will guarantee their rights and fight for their interests. Prince Adeladan has shown through the years that he has the interest of Oyo town and its people as central to his aspirations. I believe he should be made the next Alaafin of Oyo.”
Mama Yetunde Jimoh, who has been a trader in Oyo, pleaded with the selection committee of the Oyomesi to give Oyo people Prince Adeladan as the next Alaafin considering what they stand to benefit as a people. “I am an elderly woman but I have seen that who the people get as Alaafin would impact negatively or positively on the fortunes of the people. We want our people to get the development and improvement in their lives. We want trade to get better and the cost of living to be reduced. We want an Alaafin that can do that for us. Prince Adeladan has all that we need to effect this. He should be made the next Alaafin of Oyo. We know him and we want him.”
