Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, proclaiming the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja as its chairman.
The inauguration, on Thursday, thus brought back to life the Council which has been comatose since 2011, even as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, was conspicuously absent at the event.
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 signing of same into law by the governor.
Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja.
Consequently, the Olubadan will head the Council for two years before one of the other two foremost traditional rulers takes over.
The governor said the absence of the Council had robbed the traditional rulers of some benefits from the state government, adding that, with the inauguration, it now has the right to make demands of the state government.
He promised to do everything to ease the cooperation of the Council, adding that the renovation of the House of Chiefs, where the Council meets, would commence as soon as it sends in its request.
Noting that the new law might not be perfect, Makinde said: “We signed the law passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly. I signed it on the 14th of August, 2025.
“And let me say this, the law may not be perfect. You may make changes as you deem fit. That is why the House of Assembly exists.
“If the reality, further down the line, shows that one or two amendments are necessary and there is consensus. Why not? Because the lawmakers are there and it is their work.”
He added: “I consulted the Alaafin of Oyo; the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso. And the agreement we reached is that they will start the rotation with the Kabiyesi Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“So, on that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, said the inauguration of the Council was a testament to the enduring relevance of the traditional institution as custodians of the people’s culture and values.
He added that the inauguration also underscored the unwavering commitment of the state government, under Governor Makinde, to strengthen collaboration between government and traditional institutions.
Ojo noted that the Council would serve as a vital advisory body in promoting peace, resolving conflicts and preserving cultural heritage.
He added that it would contribute meaningfully to policy formulation and community development through the wisdom and experience of its members.
The commissioner further said the traditional rulers would tap into the deep understanding of the people in their domains to enhance inclusive governance and sustainable development in Oyo State.
Speaking with journalists later, Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Ladoja, expressed appreciation to governor Makinde for inaugurating the Council after a long hiatus.
He said: “Let me, first of all, thank the Executive Governor of Oyo State for working so hard to get this Council back into service. It is not an easy job. Even though he said it is not an achievement, I say it is an achievement.
“I remember the last meeting was early in the reign of my dear brother, the late Abiola Ajimobi. And after that meeting, there was no more meeting, because one of the obas went to court.
“So, I commend the effort put into place by the governor to get it reorganised and standing again. Kudos to him.
“The governor has told you that through consultations, we can achieve more. We are closer to the people. People normally trust us because they know that we are not partisan.
“We are not going to stand for elections, so there is nothing we can tell them, which they will not believe because they know that we are not asking for votes.
“The only thing that we want is that our domains should be safe; our domains should make progress; our domains must be conducive to all of us living.
“We want our children to be educated. We want light, we want water, and we want good roads.”
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor Hamid Gbadamosi; Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon Justice Iyabo Yerima;
Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Akintunde Emmanuel; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni mni;
Attorney General for the State/Commissioner for Justice, Mr 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; among others.
