Oyo Traditional leaders reject Alaafin as permanent council chair

Traditional rulers and stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have voiced strong opposition to a suggested legal amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly that aims to designate the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs. 

This opposition was expressed in a joint statement released on Monday in Ibadan, signed by Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative, and notable sons and daughters of Ibadanland, along with Mogajis from the Soun Ruling Houses of Ogbomoso.

The proposed amendment to the chieftaincy law, which would establish the Alaafin as the council's permanent chairman, advanced to its second reading in the Oyo State House of Assembly last Thursday, presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, and was subsequently sent to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for further examination.

The amendment aims to make the Alaafin the leading authority of the Oyo State Council of Obas, proposing that, should the Alaafin be unavailable, the Olubadan of Ibadanland would take over, and if both are absent, the Soun of Ogbomoso would chair the council.

However, traditional leaders and stakeholders criticized the amendment as a deviation from historical tradition and an affront to other royal institutions within the state. 

They stated, "The chairmanship of the council has always been rotational and should remain so to ensure fairness and equity among all royal stools in the state." President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Asimiyu Ariori, and ICPI Coordinator, Nurudeen Akinade, stressed that their opposition is based on historical precedent and a commitment to maintaining unity and peace in the state, rather than personal interests.

They cautioned the House against causing unnecessary discord and urged lawmakers to honor tradition and preserve the rotational leadership tradition for the Council of Obas and Chiefs.

"Our respect for the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, stemmed from his bonds with traditional institutions and various distinguished individuals in Ibadanland," they noted.

"We respected and honored Oba Adeyemi’s age and wisdom.

He ruled for over 50 years before his passing and never disrespected the people of Ibadan. The current Alaafin should proceed with caution."