20th May, 2025
News desk
Traditional leaders and stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have voiced strong opposition to a proposed amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly seeking to designate the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
In a joint statement issued Monday in Ibadan, prominent monarchs, Mogajis, Baales, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), and key figures from the Soun Ruling Houses in Ogbomoso, condemned the move. They described the bill as a distortion of historical tradition and a threat to the unity of royal institutions in the state.
The controversial amendment passed second reading last Thursday during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin and was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for further consideration.
The bill proposes the Alaafin as the permanent presiding authority of the council, with the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso serving as alternates in his absence.
Opponents of the bill argue that the council’s chairmanship has historically been rotational and must remain so to uphold fairness and equity among the state’s royal stools.
President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Asimiyu Ariori, and ICPI Coordinator, Nurudeen Akinade, stressed that the resistance to the bill stems from a commitment to preserving historical precedent rather than personal interests. They cautioned lawmakers against actions that could fuel unnecessary tension and urged the House to maintain the rotational leadership structure.
Highlighting their respect for the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, they noted that his longstanding leadership was marked by mutual respect and harmony. They urged the current Alaafin to emulate his predecessor’s humility and diplomacy.
