We Want Alaafin That Will Identify With Isese, Traditionalists Tell Makinde

Taraditional worshippers under the aegis of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Welfare Association (IWA), has called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, to pick a candidate that will be ready to identify with Ìṣẹ̀ṣe religion in choosing the next Alaafin.

OSUN DEFENDER had reported that the late Alaafin Oba Lamidi Adeyemi died on April 22, 2022 at the age of 83.

Popularly known as Isese Assembly, the group in a press statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the body called for a choice of Alaafin that will not only openly identify with the Yoruba indigenous religion like the immediate past traditional ruler of the town, late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, but also protect the interests of practitioners, among other religions he will be presiding over in the ancient town.

The statement, which was jointly signed by the group’s national coordinator, Mr Aderemi Ifáòleèpin Aderemi and Secretary-General, Ifagbenuola Popoola, urged Makinde and the Oyo-Mesi to speed up the selection process and fill the vacant throne of Alaafin, as whoever mounts the throne will be globally-revered among other traditional rulers in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Traditionalists Ask Makinde To Create Isese Board In Oyo

The statement partly read, “We implore the Ọ̀yọ́-Mèsì, who are the Kingmakers to make sure that whoever that is selected or chosen to be the next Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ must be Ìṣẹ̀ṣe inclined cum Ìṣẹ̀ṣe lover; and who is ready to openly identify with Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as a Yorùbá indigenous religion.

“That the appointing authority who is the Governor of Oyo State should graciously appoint any eminently qualified candidate that will not only openly identify with Ìṣẹ̀ṣe religion, but, also help to promote the unique traditional practices in Oyo Aláàfin, always.

“Further, we implore whoever wishes to be next Aláàfin to also have in mind that, the stool is meant for someone who will always respect and cherish Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.”

Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Assembly said the body appreciated the Oyo State government and kingmakers in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government, for arriving at a seamless process in picking a new Aseyin of Iseyin on Monday.

They called on the Aseyin-designate, Prince Sefiu Olawale Oyebola to embrace Yoruba traditional practices in order for him to enjoy the throne, as according to them, only the Yoruba culture, tradition, and belief system embodies equality and peaceful cohabitation among residents.