By Adeyinka Adeniran
An amendment to the Council of Obas and Chiefs Law that retained rotational chairmanship of of the Council in Oyo state have spark controversy among stakeholders in the state. It remains unclear if the amendment is the beginning of a new era or a Contentious Shift. Yinka Adeniran writes.
All is not well among traditional stakeholders in Oyo state. The situation is best described as storm n a teacup. Although, it is not the first time issues will arise in the sector, it is then first time opinions are so divided and strongly at that on effort to reform the sector.
What started as an intention to reinforce and strengthen the power of the Alaafin of Oyo to hold a permanent stake as the Chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state turned out another way.
No doubt, what started as a genuine intention of the members of the House of Assembly turned out to be an issue that threatened the unity and oneness the Adebo Ogundoyin led 10th Assembly was known for.
The recent amendment to the Oyo State Chiefs Law, particularly the retention of the rotational chairmanship for the Council of Obas and Chiefs, has stirred a significant debate among stakeholders.
While the government views the change as a progressive step towards inclusivity and effective governance, traditional rulers and cultural custodians express concerns over potential disruptions to established customs.
How it started: The Amendment that triggers shift in traditional governance
In May 2023, Governor Seyi Makinde assented to the amended Chiefs Law, Cap. 28, following its passage by the Oyo State House of Assembly. The amendment grants the governor the authority to elevate chiefs to wear beaded crowns and coronets without prior consultation with the Council of Obas and Chiefs.
This move is seen as an effort to streamline the chieftaincy system and reduce litigations that have previously hindered the council’s operations.
The rotational chairmanship aspect, introduced in the 2011 gazette, was intended to allow the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadan, and Soun of Ogbomoso to take turns leading the council. However, the recent amendment has raised questions about the future of this rotational systems.
The Lawmakers intention
When the House converged on May 15 to consider the bill for its second reading, it was with the intent of solidifying Alaafin as Permanent Chairman, Oyo Council of Obas for 2nd reading at Oyo Assembly.
And true to its intention, the bill christened Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025 was sent to the House Committee for consideration following its passage.
As at Thursday, May 15, the proposed legislation sort to reaffirm and institutionalize the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent authority and presiding chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs, effectively abolishing the rotational chairmanship system among traditional rulers in the state.
The Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, Cap. 37, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, initially placed the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman, giving him the authority to convene and preside over meetings, while directing council affairs.
In 2011, during the administration of late Governor Adebayo Alao Akala, the arrangement was altered, leading to a rotational system where different monarchs presided over council meetings in turns.
The 2025 amendment bill, as at the time of the second reading before the 10th Assembly, proposes a return to the traditional framework, making the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent presiding chairman while establishing a hierarchy for succession in meetings.
The proposed amendment reads, “The Chairmanship of the Council shall be permanent and concurrent to the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso whilst the Deputy Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen shall be as contained in Schedule II and Schedule IA to this Bill”.
By implications, the Alaafin of Oyo shall preside over all council meetings, while in his absence, the Olubadan of Ibadan shall preside. If both the Alaafin and Olubadan are absent, the Soun of Ogbomoso shall preside.
This proposal, it was gathered aims to restore historical precedence and ensure a clear leadership structure within the Council. Proponents of the bill argue that this arrangement would promote stability in the Oyo State traditional council, prevent administrative uncertainties, and foster greater respect for the institution in the State.
However, by May 19th, when the House reconvene for plenary to consider the bill after the House Committee had taken some.inouts from stakeholders, it was a different singsong as the passage of the bill after it second reading by the House had generated a lot of controversies from various stakeholders.
As at the close of plenary, where the Committee presented its reports to the House, there was no gainsaying the fact that there are lots at stake if the needful was not done.
To put it succinctly, the House could but not succumbs to pressure by making the Council of Obas chairmanship rotational. It was obvious that the lawmakers had to yield to superior arguments by retaining the rotational Chairmanship clause of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state.
However, a new twist added to the law was the expansion of the membership of the Council in the state following its third reading and review by the Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and State Honours.
The feat did not come without infighting, arguments and counter arguments, especially by lawmakers from Oyo zone. Prior to the passage, the House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours through its Vice Chairman, Hon. Bamidele Adeola presented his report to the House
The newly amended bill retains the rotational chairmanship clause and expands the council’s membership, reflecting a more inclusive leadership structure within the state’s traditional institutions.
The House affirmed the rotational chairmanship system, ensuring that leadership alternates among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso every two years.
This measure, according to the lawmakers is aimed at strengthening unity among the state’s foremost traditional rulers and ensuring balanced representation within the Council.
Additionally, the membership of the Council of Obas and Chiefs was expanded from 35 to 41, incorporating more traditional rulers from different regions of the state. According to the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, the expansion was aimed at fostering inclusivity and provide broader representation for traditional leaders across Oyo state.
Among the newly added members are: the Olu of Igboora, the Onilala of Lanlate, and the Alado of Ado-Awaye, as well as rotational representatives from various local governments.
The amendments also included provisions for deputy chairmanship and vice chairmanship, further structuring the leadership of the Council.
Under the revised Schedule II, deputy chairmanship positions are designated for the Eleruwa of Eruwa, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, and the Aseyin of Iseyin, among others.
The Speaker said the passage of the bill would enhance the operational framework of the Council, promote unity among traditional rulers, and strengthen governance within the state’s royal institutions.
He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to preserving the traditions of Oyo State while ensuring a progressive governance structure for the Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Lawmakers disagreement
However, a mild drama played out during Tuesdays plenary as lawmakers from Oyo zone could not hide their displeasure in the Amendment done to the bill as passed.
Trouble started as soon as debate began on the bill to make the traditional council chairman a 2-year rotational seat, based on the recommendations of the House Committee.
The amendment bill was read by the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Dele Adeola in the absence of the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Akintunde AKT representing Lagelu State Constituency.
For few minutes, the House went rowdy when Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas alleged that some honourable members were assembling at the back of the plenary contrary to the standing rules of the House.
He raised observation against turning the plenary to a caucus meeting alleging that some members have decided to turn the plenary to family meeting and that history would have him on record that representatives from Oyo are being sidelined.
Also speaking, Hon. Oyekola representing Atiba State Constituency also expressed his displeasure against rewriting history at the plenary. He said he would not be part of a sitting that is ganging up against the reverred stool of Alaafin.
He affirmed that the people he represents are not happy with the representatives since the beginning of the amendment bill, alleging that they have compromised and that atmosphere is very tensed in Oyo town.
He added that people believe that they are altering history to relegate Alaafin of Oyo and that it would not be palatable if some people from other zones are ganging up against Oyo zone.
He thereafter left the floor of the Assembly angrily, hinging his decision on the fact that he doesn’t want history to put him on record where age-long traditional council history would be altered.
In what could be regarded as a show of solidarity, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas representing Oyo East/West while speaking also frowned against an attempt to rewrite history and also joined his colleague to walk out from the plenary.
Before the decision was reached by the lawmakers, agitation had pilled up against the plan of the lawmakers to solidify the permanent chairmanship of the Alaafin of Oyo at the state Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Kudos and Knocks
Following the passage, stakeholders opinion were different on the decision. As some commended the move of the lawmakers to reflect the diverse voices of the communities by adopting a rotational system that ensures inclusivity and representation, others sees it as an aberration and affront on the supremacy of the Alaafin’s stool and what it represents.
The proponents reasoned that the decision reflected careful consideration of a range of opinions from which highlights the importance of equitable leadership among the state’s revered traditional rulers. They reasoned that the decision to amend the law not only addressed the concerns but also reinforced the democratic principles within the traditional institution.
Prior to the passage, numerous stakeholders, including Mogajis from Ibadan and Ogbomoso, had expressed their discontent with the idea of a permanent chairmanship for the Alaafin. Their concerns was the desire for a leadership structure that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Oyo State and allows for shared governance among its influential leaders.
The passage of the amendment is seen as a victory for community engagement and a testament to the assembly’s willingness to listen to the voices of its constituents.
Traditional rulers express concerns
When the governor assented the initial review back in 2023, a notable voice that did not keep silent among others was the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao.
At the time, the monarch voiced his reservations about the amendment. He cautioned that granting the governor unilateral power to elevate chiefs could lead to communal clashes and border disputes. Oba Alao recommended that elevations should only occur when the Council of Obas is unable to convene and that elevated chiefs should continue to pay obeisance to their prescribed authorities.
Similarly, the Soun-in-Council of Ogbomosoland expressed concerns that the amendment could undermine cherished traditions and grant the governor excessive power over chieftaincy matters. They warned that such changes could lead to instability and a loss of cultural heritage.
In the latest development, the monarchs also raised concern about the genuineness and intentions of the Oyo Assembly. Particularly, he calls for a halt of the process, describing the bill as a faulty political document
Urging the lawmakers to give room for further consultations on the bill, the monarch stressed that the bill is faulty and defective because there was no adequate consultation by House of Assembly, neither was there public hearing or enquiry before it was presented and considered.
The monarch faulted the amendment which listed the 10 Ibadan high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-In-Council, as members of the Council, noting that such move is an aberration in culture and tradition.
He said, “The Palace of the Olugbon of Orile-Igbo views the Council of Obas and Chiefs (further amendment) Bill 2025 before the Oyo State House of Assembly as a faulty political document whose consideration should be halted to give room for consultations.
“The bill is faulty and defective because there was no adequate consultation by House of Assembly, neither was there public hearing or enquiry before it was presented and considered.
“The bill seeks to make the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman and the Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso co-chairmen. The three monarchs will be concurrent chairmen.
“The amendment also listed the 10 Ibadan high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-In-Council, as members of the Council. This is an aberration in culture and tradition.”
According to the Olugbon, “For such an important bill that seeks to revive and do justice to the council of obas and chiefs, the key stakeholders are the traditional rulers who should have been adequately consulted before it was packaged. Besides, there should be a public hearing on the proposal.
“The actions on the bill so far clearly ignored the relevance of traditional rulers in Oyo State. It is openly based on political patronage.
“In the proposed amendment, the law further cements Ibadans’ dominance on indigenes from other parts of the state.
“Should the bill be passed, indigenes of Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa zones will again become second-class indigenes in their own state, just as Ibadan indigenes have been dominating other parts of the state politically.
“The city has produced the governors since 1999 with the exception of the late Adebayo Alao-Akala.
“While there is need for the Council to be revived and strengthened, it should not be skewed in favour of a particular zone to further dominate other zones. It should reflect fairness, justice, equity, and possess the capacity to promote peace among traditional rulers in the state.”
The Olugbon urges the lawmakers and other stakeholders to suspend work on the bill and consult widely to avoid passing a bill that will breed crisis among monarchs in Oyo State. He also observed the claim of historical significance of Ogbomoso by mogajis of the town in their opposition to the bill.
Oba Alao believes that should history alone be the factor of decision-making concerning the constitution of the Council’s leadership, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon will be ahead of the Soun of Ogbomoso.
“We should not forget that the current palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso sits on the land that falls within Olugbon’s kingdom. Orile-Igbon bore border with Ijeru, which is also more ancient than Ogbomoso. But demography has kept Ogbomoso in a better standing than other towns and communities in the zone.
“This is the reality all traditional rulers in Ogbomoso zone accepted, and this accounts for why more ancient towns in the zone do not contend with the status accorded Soun in the Obas Council. We understand it as good for administrative and political convenience.
“Where is Soun’s kingdom? Where is Olubadan’s kingdom? Alaafin ran a huge kingdom with many other kingdoms under it. But we are putting the past behind us because the world is dynamic. Yet the honour must be there for the thrones that deserve it.
“The history of British empire is a lesson for the world. The country colonized a quarter of the entire world and ruled for 100 years. But its former colony, the United States, is today, better placed. Yet, the US and all former colonies still accord the British monarchy honour and respect.
“Our history, culture and tradition must be upheld and respected in all we do because our activities today are documented as history for future generations”, the monarch reiterated.
More tantrums
In his own view, Special Adviser to the Alaafin, Chief Rotimi Osuntola said the amendment was totally unacceptable to the Alaafin stool and the entire Oyo town, noting that the case was still in court.
Osuntola, a former Chief of Staff to Oba Abimbola Owoade maintained that the Alaafin stool is the only one that has been crowning all other Obas including the Olubadan and Soun of Ogbomoso. He recalled that the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi over the years supported the Olubadan and even allowed the Olubadan wear beaded crown.
He said, “The history also told us the same about the Soun of Ogbomosho that it was from Ogbomoso that they daily bring straws to Oyo that were used back in the days to build their house. It was politicians that started this interference with the powers of the traditional rulers. They were the ones that tried to diminish the powers of the late Alaafin Adeyemi II, in the era of late sage Obafemi Awolowo. The interference of politicians brought us this far.
“It is totally unacceptable. The case is still in court as instituted by the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III. Historically, even the stool of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon is more superior to the stool of Soun of Ogbomosho and Olubadan of Ibadan.
“Ibadan used to be a stool under Oyo. But most of the politicians we have these days are lazy and they don’t read or know history. The development is bad for the stool and the traditional system, to diminish the powers of the Alaafin. People of Oyo will go to court and don’t forget there is an ongoing case already about this supremacy battle. It is not over until it is over.
“Alaafin is the most superior, let politicians leave this Chieftaincy Law. We were hoping that the Oyo State House of Assembly was going to solidify the permanent chairmanship of Alaafin but why did they deviate from that and not stick to it.
“Why would those Alaafin gave crowns to now preside over him. I think our politicians should look at the economy and other things instead of tinkering with the traditional institutions. They shoukd be busy with proper governance instead of disturbing the traditional system. Can our lawmakers learn from what is going on in Osun State with the traditional system?”
On the other side of the coin, the umbrella body of all socio-cultural groups in Ibadan, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) backed the decision of the Oyo Assembly to retain the rotational clause of the Chairmanship of Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state.
Not unmindful of how the feat was achieved, the Council appeal to aggrieved minority members of the Assembly that are not happy with the development to make peace reign in the state.
The President-General, CCII, Chief Sulaimon Ajewole commended the members of the 10th Oyo Assembly for what he described as robust debate that led to the decision to give room for rotation of the Chairmanship position of the Oyo Council of Obas and Chiefs.
He said the members have written their names in the good books of annals of history for doing what is fair, just and equitable among all the regions in the state.
He thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for allowing the lawmakers to do their job without unnecessary influence, noting that the council is not surprised that the 10th Assembly passed the bill to rotate the council of Oba Chairmanship as it is the right thing to do.
According to him, the Oyo State Council of Obas and chiefs have not conveyed any meeting since 2011 because of a court case initiated by the late Alaa
