Makinde inaugurates Oyo Obas Council with rotational leadership among top monarchs to strengthen unity and traditional institutions

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, introducing a rotational chairmanship among the state’s three foremost traditional rulers as part of efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and promote unity.

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The inauguration took place at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, following the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, emerged as the inaugural chairman of the council and will serve a two-year term. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was notably absent from the ceremony.

Makinde said the chairmanship would rotate every two years among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, a structure he said was designed to foster cooperation rather than rivalry among the traditional institutions.

“I consulted my three fathers, and the agreement is that they will start the rotation with Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan,” the governor said.

Makinde said the absence of a functioning council since 2011 had weakened coordination between government and traditional rulers, forcing reliance on ad hoc arrangements.

“For 15 years running, we have not had a Council of Obas and Chiefs in a state that is supposed to be setting the pace,” he said, adding that the law establishing the new structure was signed on August 14, 2025.

In his acceptance remarks, Oba Ladoja said the inauguration marked the beginning of responsibility rather than celebration.

“This inauguration is not an achievement in itself; it marks the beginning of serious work,” the monarch said, stressing that the council’s primary duty was to ensure peace, security and development across the state.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Ademola Ojo described the council as a platform for harmony, dialogue and partnership in advancing peace and socio-economic development.