The Oyomesi, who are the Kingmakers in Oyo town, have accused Governor Seyi Makinde of defamation for which, they said, he would be liable after his tenure.
They said it was better he took any evidence he had against them in the controversy surrounding the appointment of Oba Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin.
As ‘The Nation’ reports, Makinde disregarded recommendation of the Oyomesi’s nomination of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin.
In his speech at the presentation of staff of office to the new Alaafin, the Governor made claims that the Kingmakers have now described as unacceptable.
They expressed displeasure in a letter to the Governor by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN.
The Kingmakers include High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chíef Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo.
“We recognise Your Excellency’s right to defend your actions in court, given the ongoing legal challenge to your recent decision. However, we respectfully remind Your Excellency that the court is the appropriate forum for presenting evidence and arguments.
“The Oyomesi, in their respect for the high office of the Governor of Oyo State, have refrained from joining issues with you in the public arena. It is, therefore, disheartening that Your Excellency continues to make public statements that cast aspersions on their integrity.
“We urge Your Excellency to refrain from resorting to a trial by media or the court of public opinion in a bid to confer legitimacy on recent unlawful acts of the state, under your command. If there is any evidence to support these allegations, we respectfully advise that it should be brought before the court, where it can be properly examined and addressed.
” Publicly maligning the Oyomesi, who custodians of tradition and highly respected in the Oyo Kingdom, undermines not only their reputation but also the sanctity of the ongoing judicial process and defamatory of our clients.”
“Please recognize that you remain liable to prosecution for the defamatory acts committed by you in office, for which you may be held accountable after your period of immunity is over,” they added.
