Prof. Wande Abimbola, a former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the Third Republic Senate Majority Leader, has disclosed his involvement in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo, stating that the kingmakers were thoroughly consulted.
Speaking with Tribune, Abimbola, who has been the Awise Awo Agbaye (World Spokesperson for Ifa) since 1981, emphasised the pivotal role of Ifa divination in the process.
He described the event as a landmark moment, marking the first time in modern Yoruba history that Ifa played a decisive role in the selection of a prominent traditional ruler.
“For the first time in modern times in Yorubaland, Ifa played a key role in the selection of a prominent oba,” he said.
“In the past, that was the norm across Yorubaland. Ifa would select the successor to a deceased king without the influence of money or political position. But in recent times, that tradition has been abandoned in favour of financial and political influence.”
Abimbola recounted the events leading to the selection, saying, “They claimed to have resolved it, and for a long time, nothing happened. I returned home for my son’s wedding in Lagos, and when the governor heard I was around, he said he was about to summon me again.”
He explained that he was ready to proceed, but the kingmakers were in disarray. Some were even investigated by the EFCC over allegations of receiving large sums of money.
“Two days ago, I was summoned again. The governor reminded me that names had been presented last year and asked which one should proceed. I reaffirmed that the choice made by Ifa remained the best.
“Fortunately, when the selected candidate was screened, no issues were found — he had a clean record. The announcement was then made in his favour.”
Abimbola explained, “Even in modern times, our culture requires consulting Ifa. It may not be the primary selection method, but it is a critical part of our tradition. The kingmakers were not sidelined — they were present during the consultation.
“However, they were divided. Two of them accused others of giving them smaller shares of a bribe, leading to EFCC investigations where confessions were made.
“On the other hand, the rest took the government to court, insisting their candidate, influenced by money, must be installed. With the split among the five remaining kingmakers, the governor appointed two warrant chiefs to participate in the process.
“This is a standard practice when there is no consensus among the kingmakers. Ultimately, four kingmakers endorsed the candidate chosen by Ifa, and the process was legitimate.”
When asked if Ifa could be wrong, he responded firmly: “Ifa does not make mistakes. It never does.”
