iDeemlawfulGovernor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, with the chairmanship structured to rotate among three top traditional rulers in the state.
The inauguration, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, produced the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as the first chairman of the council for a two-year tenure.
However, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the leading monarchs in the state, was notably absent from the ceremony.
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, a step taken to reinforce traditional institutions within the state.
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Speaking at the event, Makinde stated that the council’s chairmanship would rotate among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each monarch serving a two-year term.
He explained that the arrangement was designed to foster unity and collaboration among traditional institutions across the state.
He said, “I called the monarchs that we proposed in the law that the chairmanship of the Council of Obas will rotate, and I believe from the law it’s every two years that it will rotate. This is what we are known for. But when we sit down, if we don’t resolve issues and do what is right and proper for our people, then we have failed.
“So, I consulted my three fathers—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—and the agreement is that they will start the rotation with Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan.
“So on that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated, in person of Kabieyesi Olubadan of Ibadan land for two years. The Council, like the Commissioner mentioned, last met like this in 2011. And we’ve been at this for a while. I mean, I’ve been here for close to seven years now.
“It will be seven years exactly in May 29 that this administration came into office. And the easiest thing for me to do, or for this administration to do, is to encourage a division. You know, when they say divide and rule, that is the easiest thing.
“But we know that some of the things that we have been able to achieve as an administration, they can be traced to our traditional institution. You come to me, we discuss, we rub minds what is happening in our various communities.
“I get most of those information from yourselves. And then we thought, is it not a shame that for 15 years running now or your state that is supposed to be setting the pace? We don’t have a Council of Obas and Chiefs.
“And some of the things that we’re supposed to do as an administration for our traditional institution as a state, but as the state also, we’re supposed to look after our traditional rulers. But if we don’t have a council, how do we play an active role as a state?
“At best, what we have will be an adhoc arrangement, which is what has been happening since 2011. I’ve been here since 2019. So I encouraged the status of assembly and also I consulted widely amongst the traditional rulers.
“I mean, if we look at this, this is House of Chiefs. We cannot see any improvement. We only come here for a few events. But our traditional institution must be strengthened. The AC is not working because nobody is in charge. There’s no one telling us, calling the State Government on this. We signed the law passed by the State House of Assembly, and I signed it on August 14, 2025.”
In his remarks, the newly inaugurated chairman, Oba Ladoja, called on the public to place trust in the council’s mandate, describing the event as the start of work rather than an accomplishment.
“The primary responsibility of the council is to ensure peace and safety across their domains while contributing to the continued progress of the state,” he said.
Ladoja added that public confidence would grow after the council’s first meeting, as people would recognise that members were united in purpose and not competing against one another.
The monarch said the council’s activities would be directed at making the state a better place for all residents.
“We appreciate the goodwill and congratulations we have received. This inauguration is not an achievement in itself; it marks the beginning of serious work. After our first meeting, people will begin to have confidence in us, because they will see that we are not in competition with one another. We are not here to fight or to pursue personal interests, so there is nothing to fear.
“Our sole concern is to ensure that our domains remain safe and peaceful, and that the state continues on the path of progress. We want the state to be a good place for everyone. That is the purpose of this council. This is not about any individual; it is about bringing people together and working collectively for the common good,” he explained.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, said royal fathers, as custodians of culture and communal harmony, had remained pillars of peace, moral authority and grassroots development, complementing government efforts toward unity and progress.
“As we formally inaugurate this council, it’s my earnest hope that it will remain a beacon of harmony, a forum for constructive dialogue, and a strong partner in our shared quest for peace, security and socio-economic advancement,” Ojo said.
Under the amended law, the council’s chairmanship will rotate every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.