Traditional rulers and influential stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have expressed strong opposition to a proposed amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly, which seeks to designate the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent Chairman of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
This position was outlined in a joint statement signed by a coalition that included Ibadan Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), and notable figures from both Ibadan and Ogbomoso. The statement also had the endorsement of Mogajis from the Soun Ruling Houses of Ogbomoso.
According to Drivetvnews, the amendment bill had passed its second reading during Thursday’s legislative session, led by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin. It has now been forwarded to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for further consideration.
The proposed law stipulates that the Alaafin would serve as the presiding authority of the council. In his absence, the Olubadan of Ibadanland would take over, followed by the Soun of Ogbomoso if both are unavailable.
However, traditional leaders from Ibadan and Ogbomoso criticized the bill, describing it as an attempt to rewrite history and undermine other royal institutions in the state.
They argued that making the Alaafin a permanent chairman would ignore the region’s historical evolution, particularly the fall of the old Oyo Empire in 1837, which led to a shift in traditional power dynamics.
“The era of Oyo’s dominance ended with the collapse of Oyo-Ile following the Fulani invasion. Since then, towns like Ibadan and Ogbomoso have risen in significance,” the statement read.
The signatories noted that the present-day Oyo Kingdom, founded in 1875 by Prince Atiba, is distinct from the ancient empire once ruled by Alaafin Oranmiyan. They highlighted that both Ibadan and Ogbomoso had provided sanctuary to fleeing Oyos and that Ogbomoso played a pivotal role in resisting Fulani expansion.
“The glory of the old empire was buried in Katunga. What we have now is a different order, and our leadership structure must reflect the realities that emerged after 1837,” they said.
Citing a 1984 Supreme Court decision that awarded disputed land to Ogbomoso over Oyo, the leaders emphasized the region’s importance and the need for equitable leadership.
They firmly rejected the proposed amendment, advocating instead for the current rotational leadership model.
“The rotational system represents justice and historical balance. Any deviation from it would disrupt the harmony among our royal institutions,” the leaders insisted.
Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, and Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the ICPI, reinforced the collective stance, clarifying that their opposition is rooted in historical context rather than personal or political motives.
They cautioned the Assembly against enacting legislation that could destabilize the state and urged lawmakers to preserve the integrity of the rotational system.
“We held Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in high regard because of his respectful relationship with other traditional leaders. Despite his long reign, he never undermined Ibadan’s role. The current Alaafin must act with the same humility,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Ibadan Mogajis held a protest at the State Assembly complex, voicing their rejection of the amendment. The demonstration, led by Mogaji Abass Oloko, drew a large turnout and featured passionate appeals to preserve the existing traditional hierarchy.
Although the Assembly was not in session at the time, the group made their position clear.
Oloko described the Olubadan as a highly respected monarch whose role in the state’s traditional structure cannot be diminished. He proposed a co-chairmanship model that acknowledges the Olubadan’s significance and warned that pushing the bill forward could trigger widespread unrest.
“This proposal is ill-advised and could lead to serious instability,” Oloko stated.
He also called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene, urging him to prevent the passage of any law that could disrupt the state’s fragile peace.
