A group of Oyo indigenes were on the premises of the Oyo State High Court in Awe, Oyo town, to protest against how the Oyomesi had handled the Alaafin selection process on Tuesday.

In the latest episode of the Alaafin selection saga which has dragged on since 2022, Oyo indigenes came out with placards with messages for the kingmaking chiefs.

“Oyomesi, Follow Tradition; Not Money,” one of the bigger banners held at the protest read. The protesters chanted the same message.

READ MORE: Basorun Oyo Asks Court to Restrain Makinde From Interfering in Alaafin Selection

Other banners and cardboard placards showed different words conveying similar messages directed at the Oyomesi.

“Alaafin Stool Is Not for Sale… Our Ancestors Demand for a Good Alaafin… Oyomesi, We Want Due Process… Governor Makinde, Free Us From Corrupt Oyomesi… On Alaafin, Let Dignity Reign… Ifa Consultation Is Sacrosanct,” some of the banners read.

READ MORE: Basorun of Oyo Plants False Stories in the Media to Drum Support for Alaafin Candidate Gbadegesin

FIJ uncovered the fraudulent business dealings of the favourite Alaafin candidate of the Oyomesi chiefs in 2022, reported more wrongdoing in May and received reliable information that the Alaafin nomination did not follow due process, a fact to which a section of the Oyomesi owned up to in September.

Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo and leader of the Oyomesi, tried to mislead the press with disinformation in September with the intention of pushing Lukman Gbadegesin as the favourite to become the next Alaafin of Oyo.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited the Oyomesi chiefs to admit or deny collecting millions in bribes from an Alaafin candidate in October. Akinade and some of the chiefs failed to show up.