Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Soji Ajibola
Published on 2024-03-01 20:10:41
The descendants of the Atiba ruling House are steadfast in their claim to the vacant Alaafin of Oyo stool, as the appointment of a new monarch is still pending. They are also calling on the government to be vigilant against individuals falsely asserting their ties to the family. The delay in selecting the new Alaafin of Oyo has had a ripple effect on the process of choosing the new Imam of the ancient town.
In Oyo State, there are two ongoing cases related to the installation of the new monarch in various courts. The Basorun of Oyo town and four other High Chiefs have taken legal action against the Oyo state governor, the Attorney General of the state, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters concerning the matter. The case is currently being heard at the Oyo State High Court in Awe. Additionally, the Atiba ruling House descendants who have been denied their right to the throne have also filed a lawsuit in the same court.
In a statement released to the Nigerian Tribune, Prince Mohammed Raji Makanjuola Adediran-Atiba, the current head of the Atiba ruling House, emphasized that their family patriarch had three surviving children, whose descendants are legitimate members of the family. He identified the offspring as Prince Isikilu Afonja Adedeji, Prince Tella Makanjuola, and Prince Asiru Sanda. He warned the Oyo State Government and the Chairman of Atiba Local Government about individuals falsely claiming membership of the house.
Prince Mohammed clarified that his father, Prince ADEDIRAN Abiodun Atiba, was a son of the late Alaafin Abiodun Atiba and a grandson of the late Alaafin Abiodun Adegoriolu M’hammad Saliu. He mentioned that his father had just three male children, who now constitute the lineage in his royal compound. He emphasized that any other claims of membership not outlined in the declaration sworn in the state high court in Awe should be disregarded.
According to the declaration, the royal compound has had a total of six Mogajis over the years, including Isikilu Afonja Adedeji, Tella Makanjuola, Shittu Akano Adedeji, Yusuf Amuda Adediran, M’hammad Tijani Lawuwo, and M’hammad Raji Makanjuola – the current family head. The descendants of the Atiba ruling House are intent on preserving their heritage and upholding their rightful claim to the Alaafin of Oyo stool.
As the legal battles continue and the appointment of the new Alaafin remains pending, the Atiba ruling House remains resolute in their pursuit of justice and recognition. The legacy of their family and the rightful succession to the throne are of utmost importance to them. They urge all involved parties to respect their lineage and adhere to the laws governing the selection of traditional rulers in Oyo State.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
