Oyo Mesi and the burden of tradition and truth, By Hammed Isiaka Eyinade Adelabu

Alaafin Atiba allocated expanses of land to each of his eleven sons, in addition to the inalienable and hereditary rights to the throne. The lineage of his second son, the Agboin Adelabu royal house of the Atiba Dynasty, of which I belong, is yet to rule Oyo kingdom. After being unfairly jumped over, after the initial reign of Adelu Agunloye, this is the time to correct the historical wrong done to the family by reverting to the natural sequence of succession. The Adelabu family should be in prime consideration for the throne at this point. This can only be right in the spirit of fairness, equality, and justice.
In truth, the Oyo Mesi have their duties cut out for them, as the “privy council” of Oyo. Their existence dates to the medieval period when they served as the administrative and judicial arm of the old pre-colonial Oyo Empire, while their fundamental functions in these days include, but are not limited to: (a.) The unbiased selection and installation of a new Alaafin to replace the one that died or abdicated the throne; (b.) initiation of laws that would foster unity in Oyo kingdom; (c.) implementation of policies without fear or favour; (d.) monitoring of any excessive or despotic use of power by the Alaafin; and (e.) providing advice to the Alaafin on good governance.
The Oyo Mesi need to always remember that they are an independent body, and are not under the control of any government, be it local, state, or federal. They inform the government of their decision regarding the selection of the Alaafin, as necessary. The Oyo Mesi are not politicians. And, I trust that the government will always support the Oyo Mesi to do what is right, to enhance peace in Oyo and forestall a rancour-free community, and throne.
From what we know from Oyo’s authentic history, the Oyo Mesi is a forthright body of noble personalities – from the Bashorun to Samu, Agbaakin, Akiniku, Alapini, and Lagunna – who have traditionally discharged their sacred duties with as much straightforwardness and candour as possible, and I am inclined to believe that as repositories of history, they will do what is right.
I am of the conviction that they will stand for truth and justice in the final run, and rise above whatever might be the pressures being brought to bear on them from different quarters by recognising all the other legitimate heirs of Atiba and afford us all the opportunity to claim our natural rights.
The Oyo Mesi need to always remember that they are an independent body, and are not under the control of any government, be it local, state, or federal. They inform the government of their decision regarding the selection of the Alaafin, as necessary. The Oyo Mesi are not politicians. And, I trust that the government will always support the Oyo Mesi to do what is right, to enhance peace in Oyo and forestall a rancour-free community, and throne.
Proverbially speaking, “Itose lo l’Oyo”, meaning Oyo land is known for doing things the right way.

I therefore implore you all, the decision makers, to use wisdom and to respect the trust that the Oyo people have in you, to execute the process of selecting the new Alaafin of Oyo along the lines of fairness and justice.
Hammed Isiaka Eyinade Adelabu is a Prince of the Adelabu Ruling House of the Atiba Dynasty. Email: [email protected]

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