Oyo state governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde has stated that the emergence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, as the chairman of the newly inaugurated Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, was a resolution of the trio of Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso and Olubadan.
Governor Makinde said the agreement that the rotational chairmanship begins with Oba Ladoja was reached during his consultation with the monarchs.
Olubadan will be leading the Council for the next two years before one of the other two takes over.
Stating this on Thursday while inaugurating the Council, which had ceased to exist since 2011, the governor noted that its absence had deprived the traditional rulers of developmental benefits from the state government, adding that the Council now has the right to make demands of the state government, which he promised to be granted.
He also pledged to put necessary measures in place to ease the Council’s operation, starting with the renovation of the House of Chiefs, where members meet, as soon as it sends in its request.
This follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025 by the state House of Assembly, and it’s eventual signing into law by the governor.
Recall that the lawmakers had earlier 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.
While noting that the new law might not be perfect, governor Makinde urged the traditional rulers to make changes where necessary.
“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.” He stated.
He added, “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.”
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, the Council Chairman, Oba Ladoja, expressed appreciation to the governor for bringing it back to life, after a long break.
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, 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 reorganized 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.”
Earlier in his address, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, maintained that 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 noted that the inauguration also underscored the unwavering commitment of the state government under Governor Makinde, to strengthen collaboration between government and traditional institutions.
Dignatories in attendance included; the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Deputy Speaker, Abiodun Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chairman House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Akintunde Olajide; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in the State, Sikiru Sanda; among others.
