By Adeyinka Adeniran
In what could be described as yielding to superior arguments, the Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday succumb to pressure by retaining the rotational Chairmanship clause of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state.
This is as the lawmakers also expanded the membership of the Council in the state.
The development was sequel to the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, following its third reading and review by the Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and State Honours.
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, 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.
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.
Corenews reports that agitation has 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.
Following the passage, stakeholders have commended the decision of the lawmakers to reflect the diverse voices of the communities by adopting a rotational system that ensures inclusivity and representation.
The stakeholders said 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.
Corenews reports that, 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.
