No fewer than thirty (30) Princes who indicated interest in the Alaafin of Oyo stool have been screened. The thirty aspirants were screened at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo by the Oyo Mesi.

Recall that the Alaafin of Oyo stool became vacant following the demise of the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Atanda Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who died at the age of 83 and reigned for 52 years.

The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye confirmed on Friday that 30 contestants have been screened as the search for the next Alaafin intensifies.

Durojaiye added that Armed Operatives of the Amotekun and the Police from the Atiba Division mounted security to prevent intruders during the screening which took place at the Palace of the Alaafin.

The Director explained that screening was conducted by members of the Oyo Traditional Council (Oyo Mesi), led by Chairman and the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yussuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka 1.

“The screening being conducted by all members of the Oyo Traditional Council (Oyo Mesi) led by its Chairman and the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yussuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka 1, is observed by some officials of the Atiba Local Government led by the Chairperson, Alhaja Kafilat Mojisola Olakojo.

“The contestants who arrived one after the other to the Palace and accompanied by some of their relations interacted mutually and embraced one another devoid of ill feelings, rancour and animosity.

“The first part of the screening exercise ends on the 8th of September, 2022.

“There will not be screening on Friday, to pave the way for the Jumat prayer.

“While the second and the last part will commence on Monday, 12th till Thursday, 15th 2022”.