Ibadan, Ogbomoso Traditional Leaders reject Bill to make Alaafin Permanent Chairman of Oyo Obas Council by Assembly
Controversies have continued to trail the proposed amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly seeking to make the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
This followed the position of the Traditional leaders and stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland who have united in strong opposition to the controversial bill.
According to them, the chairmanship of the Oyo State Traditional Council has always been rotational and should remain so to reflect fairness and equity among all royal stools in Oyo State
In a joint statement, the Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland, along with Mogajis of the Soun Ruling Houses of Ogbomoso, condemned the proposed amendment.
They describing it as a distortion of historical tradition and an affront to other traditional institutions in the state.
President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and ICPI Coordinator, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, reaffirmed their stance on the bill.
The Traditional leaders explained that their opposition to the controversial bill is not based on personal interest but rooted in historical precedent and aimed at ensuring unity and peace across the state.
“Mogajis from Ogbomoso in their large numbers, together with Ibadan Mogajis, were this morning at the Oyo State House of Assembly.
“The respect we have for the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, was as a result of his relationship with the traditional institution and some of the distinguished personalities in Ibadanland.
“We respected and honored Oba Adeyemi’s age, as well as his brain, haven’t spent over 50 years on the throne before his demise, yet, he never disrespect Ibadan people, so, this current Alaafin should thread softly.
“The Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, last Saturday at the grand finale of 2025 Ibadan week received an award of “Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan”, and all members of the House were also present at the event, including the Deputy Speaker; this speaks volumes.”
They, however, warned the Oyo State House of Assembly not to create unnecessary tension, while urging the lawmakers to respect tradition and uphold the rotational leadership model for the Council of Obas and Chiefs.
