Traditional rulers and stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have firmly rejected a proposed amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly to designate 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, signed by Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland, and Mogajis from the Soun ruling houses in Ogbomoso.
The contentious bill, which passed second reading in the House last Thursday, seeks to amend the state’s chieftaincy law to make the Alaafin the standing chair of the council. The session was presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, who later referred the bill to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for further deliberation.
Under the proposed amendment, the Alaafin would permanently preside over the Council of Obas, with the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso designated as substitutes in his absence.
However, critics of the bill argue that the move undermines established traditions and threatens the delicate balance of power among royal institutions in the state.
“The chairmanship of the Council of Obas has historically been rotational and should remain so to ensure fairness and equity among all traditional rulers in Oyo State,” the statement emphasized.
Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, and Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the ICPI, stressed that their objection is not rooted in personal bias but in respect for historical precedent and the need to maintain unity among royal institutions.
They cautioned lawmakers against fueling division and urged the House to uphold the rotational leadership system that has long governed the Council.
“We had deep respect for the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, because of his respectful relationship with traditional institutions and influential figures across Ibadanland,” they said. “He spent over five decades on the throne without ever undermining other royal authorities. The current Alaafin should follow that example and tread with caution.”
The traditional leaders concluded by urging the Oyo State Assembly to abandon the proposed amendment in the interest of peace, equity, and longstanding tradition.
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