The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Office, on Wednesday, quizzed Oyo kingmakers over bribery allegations.
The kingmakers were invited by the EFCC following a petition by one of the candidates aspiring to the vacant throne of Alafin of Oyo.
The kingmakers invited include Basorun of Oyo town, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola; Agbaakin of Oyo town, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda; Samu of Oyo town, High Chief Lamidi Oyewale; Lagunna of Oyo town, High Chief Wakilu Oyedepo; and Akinniku of Oyo town.
The petitioner had alleged that the kingmakers collected bribes running into millions of naira to favour a particular candidate, hence the decision of EFCC to summon the kingmakers for questioning.
Investigations further revealed, however, that only Oloye Agbaakin and Oloye Samu honoured the EFCC invitation while Basorun, Lagunna and Akinniku were said to be absent.
Those present were said to be accompanied by their lawyers and were asked to write a statement in defence of the allegation as stated in the petition before they were released.
As of press time, details of their defence were not known.
When contacted on the phone, High Chief Oyewale confirmed the invitation by the EFCC office but declined further comments.
He only said, “Yes, we were invited. We have gone and come back.”
Efforts to reach Basorun, Lagunna and Akinniku, through their mobile numbers, proved abortive as they were not reachable.
Also, efforts to reach the Ibadan Zonal Public Relations Officer of the EFCC were not successful.
The kingmakers have been factionalised in the choice of the next Alaafin.
(Punch/vitalnewsngr.com)
