Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs after a 15 year hiatus, with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, installed as the council’s first chairman.
The inauguration, held at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan, was marked by the absence of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. Governor Makinde said the chairmanship of the council would rotate among the Olubadan of Ibadan, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each monarch serving a two year term.
According to the governor, the rotational arrangement was agreed upon during consultations with the three first class traditional rulers and was designed to promote unity and cooperation among traditional institutions in the state.
However, the Alaafin’s palace rejected the governor’s claim. In a statement issued by his media aide, Bode Durojaye, the palace said no such meeting took place and that the Alaafin neither endorsed nor discussed a rotational chairmanship arrangement. The statement added that the position of the Oyo traditional institution had earlier been communicated to the governor through a memo submitted by the Oyo Council of Elders.
The inauguration came amid speculation of a rift between the Alaafin and the Olubadan following the circulation of a viral video from a recent public event.
Speaking after the ceremony, Oba Ladoja dismissed claims of any disagreement with the Alaafin, describing the controversy as a misunderstanding amplified on social media. He urged the public to focus on the council’s responsibility of promoting peace, safety, and development across the state.
Ladoja said the council’s inauguration marked the beginning of serious work aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and fostering harmony within Oyo State.
