Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday announced the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the new Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas. The announcement was made during the official inauguration of the council held at the House of Chiefs, Agodi, Ibadan.
The event, however, was marked by the noticeable absence of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade. As of the time this report was filed, no official explanation had been given for the monarch’s absence, raising questions among observers, especially given his key position in the state’s traditional hierarchy.
The inauguration signalled the return of the Oyo State Council of Obas, which had remained inactive for several years. Reports indicate that the council became largely ineffective during the administration of the immediate past governor, the late Abiola Ajimobi. Disagreements over leadership structure and the role of traditional rulers were said to have affected its smooth operation at the time.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, Governor Makinde explained that the chairmanship of the council would now be rotational. According to him, the leadership will rotate among three major traditional rulers in the state: the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland. Each chairman will serve for a period of two years.
With the new arrangement, Oba Ladoja becomes the first chairman under the revived council. Makinde said the rotational system was designed to promote fairness, unity, and cooperation among traditional rulers, while also preventing rivalry or dominance by any single stool.
Despite the absence of the Alaafin, the event was attended by other prominent royal fathers. The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, was present, as well as the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegboola. Government officials and members of the House of Chiefs also attended the ceremony.
The Oyo State Council of Obas is a statutory body that brings together first-class and other recognised traditional rulers in the state. Its role includes advising the state government on matters of culture, tradition, security, and community relations. The council also serves as a platform for dialogue among monarchs on issues affecting their domains.
For many years, the council’s inactivity had drawn criticism from stakeholders who believe traditional rulers play a vital role in grassroots governance. Community leaders have often argued that monarchs are closer to the people and can help government policies reach rural areas more effectively.
Governor Makinde has, on several occasions, stated his commitment to working closely with traditional institutions. Since assuming office, he has emphasised the need to respect royal fathers and involve them in decision-making, particularly in areas such as security, conflict resolution, and community development.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is a former governor of Oyo State and a respected political and traditional figure. He ascended the throne of Ibadan in 2023 after many years in the traditional line. His experience in governance is seen by many as an advantage in leading the council at this early stage of its revival.
The Alaafin of Oyo, traditionally regarded as one of the most powerful Yoruba monarchs, traces his lineage to the old Oyo Empire, which once ruled large parts of present-day southwestern Nigeria. Because of this historical status, the Alaafin’s absence at the inauguration has attracted attention across the state.
Similarly, the Soun of Ogbomosoland presides over Ogbomoso, a major town known for education, trade, and agriculture. Together, the three monarchs represent the major power blocs within Oyo State’s traditional structure, making the rotational chairmanship arrangement significant.
While the reason for the Alaafin’s absence remains unknown, observers say it is important for all key traditional rulers to work together to ensure the success of the council. Unity among royal fathers, they argue, will strengthen peace and stability across the state.