The Oyo State House of Assembly has reversed its earlier stance on making the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs, instead approving a rotational chairmanship among the Alaafin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
The decision came on Tuesday after the Assembly deliberated on the recommendations of its Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. The amendment bill was passed after its third reading during plenary.
Alongside the decision on the Obas’ council, the lawmakers also approved the appointments of 13 other traditional leaders, including the Otun and Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, as members of the council.
However, not all lawmakers agreed with the new position. Two members representing Oyo East and Atiba Constituencies, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman and Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, walked out during the session in protest.
In a media interview, Hon. Rahman criticised the process, stating that it lacked transparency and failed to consider historical context.
“We are not out of touch with history. Alaafin is a paramount ruler,” he said. “There was no public hearing or stakeholders’ engagement. Nobody from Oyo was invited to speak on the bill. I have serious issues with that.”
The bill, which initially aimed to make the Alaafin the permanent head of the council, has stirred debate across the state, reflecting deep-rooted traditional sensitivities and regional pride.
The new arrangement is expected to take effect immediately, marking a significant shift in the structure of traditional leadership coordination in Oyo State.
