Alaafin Absent as Olubadan Emerges Oyo Council of Ona’s Chair 

Alaafin Absent as Olubadan Emerges Oyo Council of Ona’s Chair

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has emerged as the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs following a long-standing debate over the leadership of the traditional body.

The appointment was formalized by Governor Seyi Makinde during an inauguration ceremony held at the State Secretariat in Ibadan.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was notably absent from the event, underscoring the ongoing tension surrounding the council’s leadership.

The seat of the Alaafin had previously been at the center of a legislative proposal to make it the permanent chair, a move that faced stiff resistance from other monarchs.

To resolve the friction, the Oyo State House of Assembly amended the chieftaincy law to adopt a rotational leadership model. Under this new arrangement, the chairmanship will rotate every two years among the state’s top three traditional rulers: the Alaafin, the Olubadan, and the Soun of Ogbomoso.

Governor Makinde emphasized that the rotational system was designed to promote equity and unity among the traditional institutions in the state. He urged the monarchs to work together to ensure peace and progress, noting that the council’s revival is essential for effective local governance.