Developing:Ibadan, Ogbomoso Leaders Reject Proposal to Install Alaafin as Permanent Council Chair

Ibadan, Ogbomoso Leaders Reject Proposal to Install Alaafin as Permanent Council Chair

Traditional authorities and influential figures from Ibadan and Ogbomoso have expressed strong disapproval of a proposed amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly, which aims to designate the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Eagles Sight News reports that the objection was detailed in a joint statement released in Ibadan on Monday. According to a report gathered on Punch , the statement was endorsed by a broad coalition, including local chiefs (Mogajis and Baales), monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative, notable sons and daughters of Ibadanland, as well as Mogajis representing ruling houses in Ogbomoso.

The amendment bill, which seeks to alter the existing chieftaincy law, recently passed its second reading in the Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin. It has since been forwarded to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for deeper examination.

If enacted, the bill would grant the Alaafin of Oyo permanent authority to preside over the Council of Obas. In the monarch’s absence, the Olubadan of Ibadanland would assume leadership, followed by the Soun of Ogbomoso if both are unavailable.

Opponents of the bill argue that it undermines historical balance and disrespects other respected royal lineages in Oyo State. They emphasized that the leadership of the council has traditionally rotated among major royal institutions, a system they insist should continue to promote fairness and unity.

“The chairmanship of the council has always been rotational and should remain so to reflect fairness and equity among all royal stools in the state,” the statement emphasized.

Asimiyu Ariori, head of the Ibadan Mogajis, and Nurudeen Akinade, coordinator of the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), noted that their stance is based on historical consistency and the need for state-wide harmony, not personal bias.

They urged the legislative body to avoid actions that could disrupt the state’s traditional harmony, reminding them of the importance of upholding longstanding customs.

“The respect we have for the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was because of his relationship with the traditional institutions and some distinguished personalities in Ibadanland,” they said. “We respected and honoured Oba Adeyemi’s age and wisdom. He spent over 50 years on the throne before his demise, yet he never disrespected the Ibadan people. The current Alaafin should tread softly.”