Alaafin, Makinde: Alleged Rift Over Monthly Entitlement Raises Questions | By David Oluokun

Concerns have been raised in Oyo State following an unverified allegation that the statutory monthly entitlement of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has been withheld by the state government.

The claim, currently circulating on social media platforms and among some political actors, has also fuelled speculation about a possible disagreement between the Alaafin’s palace and the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

There is, however, no official confirmation of the allegation.

Neither the Oyo State Government, the Office of the Alaafin nor the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had, as of the time of filing this report, publicly confirmed the claim.

Videos and voice notes being circulated online alleged that the monarch’s monthly entitlement had been stopped and attributed the purported development to tension between the palace and the governor’s office.

The report has generated reactions because of the prominent place occupied by the Alaafin institution in Yoruba traditional affairs.

Stakeholders have called for caution, warning against allowing an unverified report to create unnecessary tension.

A socio-cultural commentator urged the relevant authorities to address the issue publicly.

“Our Kabiyesi and the government are important institutions. Rumours like this can cause unnecessary tension. The government and the palace should clarify this immediately,” the commentator said.

Political actors have also reacted to the allegation, with some opposition figures criticising the state government over its alleged relationship with traditional institutions.

However, there is currently no official evidence confirming the alleged withholding of the Alaafin’s entitlement or the reported disagreement between the palace and government.