Prof Wande Abimbola Reveals Ifa’s Pivotal Role in Selection of New Alaafin of Oyo

Prof Wande Abimbola, a former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the Third Republic Majority Leader of the Senate, has shared details of his involvement in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo. According to Abimbola, the kingmakers were all consulted during the process, with a significant focus on Ifa divination.

Abimbola, who has held the title of Awise Awo Agbaye (World Spokesperson for Ifa) since 1981, emphasized that the use of Ifa divination in the selection marked a historic moment. This was the first time in modern Yoruba history that Ifa played such a decisive role in the choice of a prominent traditional ruler.

“For the first time in modern times in Yorubaland, Ifa played a key role in the selection of a prominent oba,” Abimbola said in an interview with Tribune. He noted that in the past, Ifa was always consulted to select the successor to a deceased king, free from political and financial influences. However, he lamented that in recent years, this tradition had been sidelined by political and financial pressures.

Abimbola recalled the events leading to the selection of the new Alaafin, explaining how, after a long period of inactivity, he was called back to make the final decision. He shared that some of the kingmakers had been investigated by the EFCC for allegedly accepting bribes, which caused delays in the process.

“The governor summoned me again after I returned from my son’s wedding in Lagos. I reaffirmed that the choice made by Ifa was still the best,” Abimbola explained. When the chosen candidate was thoroughly vetted, no issues were found, and the announcement was made in his favor.

He further emphasized that Ifa remains a crucial part of Yoruba culture, despite modern influences. “Even in modern times, our culture requires consulting Ifa. It may not be the primary selection method, but it is a critical part of our tradition. The kingmakers were not sidelined— they were present during the consultation,” Abimbola said.

The selection process, however, was not without conflict. Some of the kingmakers were divided, with accusations of bribery leading to EFCC investigations. A few of them even took the matter to court, insisting that their candidate, influenced by money, should be installed as the new Alaafin. Ultimately, the governor appointed two warrant chiefs to help resolve the deadlock among the kingmakers.

With the endorsement of four of the remaining five kingmakers, the process was finalized, and the candidate chosen by Ifa was declared the new Alaafin of Oyo.

When asked if there was any possibility that Ifa could have been wrong in its selection, Abimbola firmly replied, “Ifa does not make mistakes. It never does.”