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Alaafin VS Alao-Akala
About fourteen years ago, Alaafin Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi and former Governor Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala engaged in a tumultuous power struggle in Oyo State. If the battle had taken place in a boxing ring, the late Alaafin, a former boxer, might have knocked out Alao-Akala.
However, this battle was fought outside the ring, and both men utilized every resource at their disposal in what was a life-and-death struggle. Though both men have since passed away, the memory of their conflict still lingers in Oyo State.
How did this battle begin, and how did it end? What sparked this intense rivalry? Who emerged victorious, and who was defeated? Let’s delve into this short yet significant chapter in Oyo State’s recent history.
Background of the Conflict: How It All Began
The relationship between the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, began on a positive note sometime between 2006 and 2007. Akala first became governor of Oyo State in 2005-2006, after the controversial impeachment of former Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja by the Oyo State House of Assembly. Ladoja’s impeachment was orchestrated by the powerful Ibadan politician, Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Akanji Adedibu, who was often referred to as the “Alaafin of Molete.”
When the court reinstated Ladoja as governor in 2006, Alao-Akala returned to his position as deputy governor. By this time, Akala had secured his place as the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) flag bearer for the 2007 general elections. He went on to contest the governorship in 2007, defeating the late Abiola Ajimobi of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and Professor Toareed Odedoja of the Action Congress.
The Early Relationship: A Period of Cooperation
After the 2007 election, opposition parties contested the result at the tribunal. After months and even years of legal battles, Alao-Akala eventually emerged victorious. In response to his victory, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi declared that traditional rulers in Oyo State would have been significantly weakened if Alao-Akala had lost the election. Leading 23 members of the United States Council of Obas on a solidarity visit to Alao-Akala’s office in Ibadan, the Alaafin emphasized that if Alao-Akala had failed, the entire traditional institution would have failed as well.
The Turning Point: What Caused the Rift?
However, the relationship between the Alaafin and Alao-Akala began to deteriorate in June 2008, following the death of Alhaji Lamidi Akanji Adedibu, who had been a key supporter of Akala’s rise to power. Without Adedibu as a bridge-builder, misunderstandings and power struggles began to arise between the Alaafin and Alao-Akala.
Escalation: The Battle for Oyo’s Political and Cultural Supremacy
In 2010, Alao-Akala stirred controversy by installing Chief Ganiu Ajiboye as the Baale of Agooja in Oyo town without the Alaafin’s consent. Oyo town is the Alaafin’s major kingdom, where his word is law. Alao-Akala’s decision to install another traditional ruler within the kingdom marked the beginning of a serious conflict. The relationship deteriorated to the point that the Alaafin avoided a meeting arranged by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to mediate between the two men.
The tension escalated when Alao-Akala allegedly insulted the Alaafin in an interview, claiming there was another traditional ruler in Oyo town—a statement considered sacrilegious by many. This statement enraged other influential figures in Oyo State, such as Alhaji Alao Arisekola, who vehemently condemned Alao-Akala’s words.
The Aftermath: Consequences and Reconciliation
The battle between the two powerful figures reached its peak during the 2011 general elections. Alao-Akala dissolved the Atiba Local Government Council, headed by the Alaafin’s son, Prince Hakeem Adeyemi. This move was seen as a direct affront to the Alaafin’s authority. In retaliation, the Alaafin mobilized resources to ensure Alao-Akala was defeated in the election, and with support from Ibadan, Oke Ogun, and Oyo town, Abiola Ajimobi won, sweeping Alao-Akala out of the government house.
Even after losing power, Alao-Akala did not give up his desire to retaliate against the Alaafin. He disrupted the Council of Obas and Chiefs’ status quo by stripping the Alaafin of his permanent chairmanship seat. He prevailed on the Oyo State House of Assembly to amend the law governing the traditional institution, making the chairmanship of the council a rotating position among the Alaafin, the Soun of Ogbomosho, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
However, before Alao-Akala’s death in January 2022, he reconciled with some of his adversaries, including the Alaafin, seeking forgiveness at the Alaafin’s palace. With the passing of both Alao-Akala and the Alaafin, an era of dramatic political and cultural dynamics in Oyo State came to an end. These were great men who shaped the politics and culture of their time, and may they rest in peace.
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A well-written article. All the personalities that matters are treated sufficiently. This history is not more than it should be and not less than it should be.
Thank you sir