The race to occupy the Alaafin of Oyo stool has begun with 48 candidates being considered.
A source within the Agunloye ruling house said the family has considered applications from 48 qualified princes who will now be presented for the next step of the process.
The candidates will be presented to the head of princes (Baba Iyaji) today, who will then hand over the list to the Oyomesi, the kingmakers and members of the Alaafin-in-Council.
Headed by the Basorun of Oyo, the kingmakers are expected to consult the Ifa oracle on who is best for the stool among the candidates.
The last Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III, died on April 22 after a 52-year reign. The 40th Fidau held on Saturday, marking the end of mourning for him.
The stool has been rotating between the Alowolodu and Agunloye ruling houses. The Adeyemi III was of the Alowolodu ruling house.
Though the current Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration has been approved by the state for review, it is yet to be undertaken. The review should accommodate other royal families who are descendants of Alaafin Abiodun Atiba, the first Alaafin in the present day Oyo.
The families are currently in court to seek orders compelling Atiba Local Government to undertake the review to enable their princes join the race.
