Makinde Inaugurates Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Pronounces Olubadan Rotational Chairman
Makinde Inaugurates Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Pronounces Olubadan Rotational Chairman
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Thursday inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, thereby bringing back to life the Council, which had been comatose since 2011.
The inauguration followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025 by the State House of Assembly and its subsequent signing into law by the Governor.
Recall that the lawmakers amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the chairmanship of the Council rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde disclosed that he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, adding that they all reached a consensus that the chairmanship should commence with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The Governor explained that the Olubadan would head the Council for a period of two years, after which the chairmanship would rotate to one of the other two monarchs.
Makinde noted that the absence of the Council for over a decade had deprived traditional rulers of certain benefits from the state government, adding that with the inauguration, the Council now has the authority to make demands of the state government.
He assured the Council of the government’s support, stating that the renovation of the House of Chiefs, where the Council meets, would commence immediately upon receipt of a formal request from the Council.
While acknowledging that the new law might not be perfect, the Governor said, “We signed the law passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly. I signed it on the 14th of August, 2025. The law may not be perfect, and you may make changes as you deem fit. That is why the House of Assembly exists. If, further down the line, realities show that amendments are necessary and there is consensus, the lawmakers are there to do their job.”
He added, “I consulted the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the agreement we reached is that the rotation will start with the Kabiyesi Olubadan of Ibadanland. On that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, described the inauguration as a testament to the enduring relevance of traditional institutions as custodians of the people’s culture and values.
He noted that the development also underscored the unwavering commitment of the Makinde-led administration to strengthening collaboration between government and traditional institutions.
According to Ojo, the Council will serve as a vital advisory body in promoting peace, resolving conflicts, preserving cultural heritage and contributing meaningfully to policy formulation and community development through the wisdom, experience and deep understanding of the people within their domains, in line with inclusive governance and sustainable development in the state.
Speaking with journalists after the event, the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for reviving the Council after a long hiatus.
He said, “Let me first thank the Executive Governor of Oyo State for working so hard to bring this Council back into service. Even though he said it is not an achievement, I consider it a major achievement. I recall that the last meeting was held during the early days of my dear brother, late Abiola Ajimobi. After that, the Council stopped meeting due to a court case involving one of the Obas.”
Oba Ladoja commended the Governor’s efforts in reorganising the Council and restoring its functionality, noting that traditional rulers are closer to the people and are trusted because they are non-partisan.
He added, “We are not contesting elections, so people believe us. All we want is for our domains to be safe, progressive and conducive for living. We want education for our children, electricity, water and good roads.”
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima; Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Akintunde Olajide Emmanuel; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Biodun Aikomo; Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, and other top government functionaries.