Why new Alaafin, Soun yet to emerge — Makinde

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Why new Alaafin, Soun yet to emerge — Makinde

GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, explained that the delay in the emergence of new Alaafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomosoland, was to allow due process to be followed in their selection, to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.

Makinde said this while swearing-in the new Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the event was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Makinde said he had already communicated the kingmakers in the two towns that institutional framework should be followed in the selection of new Alaafin and Soun.

According to him, once due process is followed, things generally will work out more efficiently.

His words: “We have gone through a situation where a king was removed by the judiciary in the state after he has been on the throne for over 22 years.

“And I said to myself, not under my watch are we going to repeat the same mistake. I will rather delay and have due process followed.

“Then, if anybody decides to go to court after the emergence of the new traditional rulers, such exercise might be a nullity.

“I believe this is what we need in Nigeria right now – strong institutions.

“But, we also need people to build them, people with experience, capacity and people with strong conviction to do what is right.

“That is why appointment of people like Justice Iyabo Yerima is important, because she has experience in leadership.”

Swearing-in Yerima, as a substantive Chief Judge, he said that her appointment was in accordance with Section 271 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

He said that the swearing-in was done after her appointment was confirmed by the House of Assembly.

In her remarks, Yerima pledged to take Judiciary in the state to a greater height.

The Chief judge, however, pleaded for the renovation of all the court rooms in the state.