Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, with the chairmanship designed to rotate among the state’s three foremost traditional rulers.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the House of Chiefs Hall within the State Secretariat, marked the return of the council after more than a decade of inactivity. At the event, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa I), was announced as the pioneer chairman of the council and will serve a two-year term.
Notably absent from the occasion was the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, whose absence drew attention given his position as one of the leading monarchs in the state.
The inauguration followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly. The amendment was aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and restoring an effective platform for collaboration between royal fathers and the government.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde explained that the council’s chairmanship would rotate every two years among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland. He said the arrangement was agreed upon after consultations with the three monarchs and was designed to promote unity, fairness and cooperation among traditional institutions.
According to the governor, the decision to begin the rotation with the Olubadan was a collective one. He noted that resolving differences and doing what is right for the people was crucial to the success of governance.
Makinde expressed concern that Oyo State, regarded as a pacesetter, had gone about 15 years without a properly functioning Council of Obas and Chiefs. He described the previous arrangements since 2011 as ad hoc and inadequate, stressing that a formal council was necessary to effectively engage traditional rulers and strengthen their role in governance.
He also lamented the poor state of the House of Chiefs, noting that the absence of an active council had contributed to neglect of the institution. The governor revealed that the amended law establishing the rotational chairmanship was signed on August 14, 2025.
In his acceptance remarks, the new chairman, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, urged residents of the state to have confidence in the council, describing the inauguration not as an achievement but as the beginning of serious work.
He said the council’s primary responsibility was to promote peace, security and development across the state, adding that unity among members would become evident after the council’s first meeting.
According to the Olubadan, the council is not a platform for rivalry or personal interests, but a collective effort to ensure safety, harmony and continued progress in Oyo State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described traditional rulers as custodians of culture, peace and moral authority who have consistently supported government efforts at grassroots development.
He expressed hope that the newly inaugurated council would serve as a forum for constructive dialogue and remain a strong partner in the pursuit of peace, security and socio-economic growth across the state.
Under the amended law, the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs will rotate every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
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