EFCC Quizzes Oyo Kingmakers Over Bribery Allegation On Appointment Of Alaafin

Oyo Kingmakers on Wednesday were quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan Zonal Office, over bribery allegations.

Naija News understands that the stool of the Alaafin of Oyo became vacant after the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April 2022.

More than a year after the passing of Oba Adeyemi, a new Alaafin has not been named, and the selection process has been embroiled in a crisis.

It was gathered that the EFCC summoned Oyo kingmakers following a petition by one of the candidates aspiring to the vacant throne of Alaafin of Oyo.

A credible source in the anti-graft agency, who spoke with Punch, identified the kingmakers invited as Basorun of Oyo town, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola; Agbaakin of Oyo town, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda; Samu of Oyo town, High Chief Lamidi Oyewale; Lagunna of Oyo town, High Wakilu Oyedepo; and Akinniku of Oyo town.

The petitioner alleged that the kingmakers collected bribes running into millions of naira to favour a particular candidate, hence the decision of EFCC to summon the kingmakers for questioning.

Investigations further revealed, however, that only Oloye Agbaakin and Oloye Samu honoured the EFCC invitation while Basorun, Lagunna and Akinniku were said to be absent.

Those present were said to be accompanied by their lawyers and were asked to write a statement in defence of the allegation as stated in the petition before they were released.

High Chief Oyewale confirmed the invitation by the EFCC office but declined further comments.

He only said, “Yes, we were invited. We have gone and come back.”