Oyo: Controversy trails enthronement of new Alaba of Abanla

Controversies have continued to rage over the plan to enthronement of the new Alaba of Abanla in the Oluyole local government area of Oyo State.

Contending families have been lobbying to fill the vacant stool after the transition of the immediate past monarch, Oba Olabiyi Oladipo, who joined his ancestors in August 2024.

The various candidates have been jostling to fill the vacant stool since then.

However, the members of the Osayindina have faulted the reported plan to install Pa Totoola Oladipo as Alaba of Abanla.

The family had, in a statement made available to the newsmen, described the plan as a gross violation of Oyo State Chieftancy law.

The statement reads in part, “We, the honourable members of the family of Osanyindina of Abanla, are bringing this to the notice of the general public and the relevant State Government that Pa Totoola Oladipo of Osanyindina cannot be made Alaba of Abanla on the fact that he is not the eldest son of the family, and we don’t want someone of shady character as Alaba of Abanla.

“This matter transcends family affairs; it speaks to our collective integrity and values. We must uphold the traditions of our lineage.

“The family’s commitment to transparency and justice is unwavering, and ensuring that they will not tolerate any action that tarnishes their legacy.”

While appealing to both the public and the State Government, the family stressed that Totoola is not legitimately entitled to the throne.

“He is not the eldest son in the family, a role that should be held by the eldest male lineage member, as has been the custom for over six decades.

“We aim to safeguard our revered traditions and ensure that only individuals of integrity assume leadership roles within our community.”

They said the family is determined to maintain the standards that have long been associated with the Alaba title, rejecting any candidate with questionable character or a checkered background.

“As the narrative unfolds, this unfolding family drama could have broader implications for communal governance and the management of traditional titles in the state, inviting scrutiny from both legal and traditional institutions.

“The Osanyindina family is poised to engage with stakeholders to reinforce their stance and uphold the traditions that have defined their lineage for generations,” the family insisted.

It will be recalled that Olubadan designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, had insisted on sanitising the process of appointing Baales and Mogajis in eleven local government areas of Ibadan metropolitan city.

He also advised the appointed community heads to have a building in their respective domains and to pass nights there at least three to four times a year.

He said, the era of diaspora Mogajis and Baales is over in Ibadan land, insisting that “You must have buildings in the compound that you are presiding over as Baale or Mogaji.

“Also, the Olubadan-In-Council will not tolerate allegations of land grabbing and other vices traceable to some community heads.”

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