Ten contestants to the stool of the Alaafin of Oyo have been shortlisted by the Oyo Mesi, who are the kingmakers in the ancient town to undergo further screening.
The head of the Oyo Mesi, who is also the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yussuf Ayoola, disclosed this after all the 65 initial contestants had been interviewed.
The disclosure was contained in a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, on Firiday September 16 2022.
He stated that members of the Oyo Mesi will soon meet to deliberate on the next step, which is the Ifa consultation.
“Whoever emerges among the shortlisted aspirants will be the candidate and the next Alaafin of Oyo,” he said.
The Choice of the oracle is expected to be presented to the Oyo State Government who will now crown him officially after performance of traditional rites.
The revered stool of the Alaafin of Oyo became vacant following the death of the long serving Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III.
He reigned for 50 years and was the Son of a former occupant of the revered stool himself.
