Ibadan, Ogbomoso Monarchs Oppose Alaafin as Permanent Council Chairman
Ibadan, Ogbomoso Monarchs Oppose Alaafin as Permanent Council Chairman
Traditional rulers and prominent stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have firmly rejected a proposed amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly aimed at naming the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Their opposition was expressed in a joint statement issued on Monday in Ibadan. The statement was endorsed by Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative, respected sons and daughters of Ibadanland, as well as Mogajis from the Soun Ruling Houses of Ogbomoso.
The bill to amend the chieftaincy law, which would establish the Alaafin as the permanent chairman of the council, passed its second reading on the floor of the Oyo State House of Assembly last Thursday.
The session was presided over by Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin. The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for further scrutiny.
The bill seeks to make the Alaafin the presiding authority of the Oyo State Council of Obas.
The bill proposed that in the absence of the Alaafin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland would preside, and if both were absent, the Soun of Ogbomoso would chair the council.
However, the traditional leaders and stakeholders condemned the amendment, describing it as a distortion of historical tradition and an affront to other royal institutions in the state.
“The chairmanship of the council has always been rotational and should remain so to reflect fairness and equity among all royal stools in the state,” the statement emphasised.
President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Asimiyu Ariori, and ICPI Coordinator, Nurudeen Akinade, reiterated that their opposition was not driven by personal interest but rooted in historical precedent and a desire to ensure unity and peace across the state.
They warned the House against creating unnecessary tension, urging lawmakers to respect tradition and uphold the rotational leadership model for the Council of Obas and Chiefs.
“Our respect for the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, stemmed from his cordial relationship with traditional institutions and notable figures in Ibadanland,” they stated. “We honoured him for his age, wisdom, and the dignity with which he ruled. Despite spending over 50 years on the throne, he never disrespected the people of Ibadan. The current Alaafin should take a more cautious and respectful approach.”
