Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as chairman of the council.
The inauguration formally revived the council, which had been inactive since 2011. However, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, was noticeably absent from the ceremony held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The event followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025 by the state House of Assembly and its subsequent assent by the governor. The amendment altered Section 28, Clause 5 of the Chieftaincy Law to provide for a rotational chairmanship among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Makinde said he consulted extensively with the three foremost traditional rulers and that they unanimously agreed that the rotation should commence with the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
According to him, Oba Ladoja will chair the council for two years before the position rotates to one of the other two monarchs.
Makinde noted that the prolonged absence of the council had denied traditional rulers certain benefits and formal engagement with the state government, stressing that its restoration would strengthen collaboration and allow the council to make legitimate demands on behalf of its members.
He assured the council of government support, adding that renovation of the House of Chiefs would commence once a formal request is submitted.
Acknowledging that the amended law may not be flawless, the governor said future adjustments could be made where necessary through legislative processes.
“The law may not be perfect. If, along the line, there is consensus that amendments are required, the House of Assembly is there to do its job,” Makinde said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, described the inauguration as a reaffirmation of the relevance of traditional institutions as custodians of culture, values and peace.
He said the council would serve as a critical advisory body to the government, promote peaceful coexistence, resolve disputes and contribute to policy formulation and community development across the state.
In his remarks, Oba Rashidi Ladoja expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for restoring the council after years of inactivity, describing the move as a significant achievement.
He recalled that the council last met during the early period of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration before internal disputes halted its activities.
Oba Ladoja said traditional rulers remain close to the people and non-partisan, adding that the council would focus on promoting security, development and improved living conditions across their domains.
“We want our people to be safe, educated and prosperous. We want good roads, electricity and water for our communities,” he said.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Hamid Gbadamosi; Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi; and several commissioners, lawmakers and traditional leaders.
