Traditional rulers, community leaders, and influential groups from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have strongly opposed a legislative amendment proposed by the Oyo State House of Assembly that seeks to designate the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs. The proposal, which recently passed its second reading in the House, has ignited significant backlash from stakeholders who view it as a dangerous departure from an inclusive and time-honored leadership structure.
In a united front, monarchs, Mogajis (family heads), Baales (village heads), the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), and members of the Soun ruling houses in Ogbomoso signed a joint statement in Ibadan on Monday denouncing the legislative proposal. They characterized the bill as a distortion of Yoruba royal heritage and warned it could disrupt the longstanding harmony among the state’s traditional institutions.
Controversial Amendment Sparks Outcry
The controversial bill proposes to grant the Alaafin of Oyo a permanent role as chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs—a position currently held on a rotational basis among the state’s top traditional rulers. According to the bill, in the absence of the Alaafin, the role would fall to the Olubadan of Ibadanland and then to the Soun of Ogbomoso, in that order.
Critics of the bill argue that this fixed hierarchy would sideline other respected royal stools and centralize power in a way that undermines fairness, equity, and the cultural diversity that defines Oyo State’s traditional governance structure.
“The chairmanship of the council has always been rotational and should remain so to reflect equity among all royal stools in the state,” the joint statement emphasized.
Ibadan, Ogbomoso Leaders Voice Deep Concern
Among the most vocal critics of the bill are Chief Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, and Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI). Both leaders condemned the bill, warning that it could inflame longstanding rivalries and destabilize the delicate balance of respect and cooperation among Yoruba monarchs.
Ariori and Akinade stressed that their opposition had nothing to do with the personality of the current Alaafin or his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. On the contrary, they lauded the late monarch for his dignified and respectful leadership over five decades, which they said fostered peaceful coexistence among the various royal dynasties.
“We respected and honoured Oba Adeyemi’s age and wisdom. He spent over 50 years on the throne without undermining Ibadan people,” they noted in the statement. “The current Alaafin should tread softly.”
Preserving Equity Among Royal Houses
The leaders argue that the rotational leadership system currently in place ensures fairness and fosters inclusivity among all the royal houses in Oyo State. This tradition, they insist, has helped to prevent monopolization of power and allowed all monarchs to contribute meaningfully to the governance of the state through the Obas Council.
They warned that abandoning this equitable structure in favor of a permanent chairmanship risks eroding centuries of mutual respect and cooperation. Instead of building consensus, they believe the bill could sow division and provoke unnecessary rivalry between royal institutions.
“Any attempt to make the Alaafin permanent chairman will not only distort our historical tradition but also impose an avoidable crisis on Oyo State,” the statement warned.
Echoes of a Larger Debate
This controversy reflects a broader tension between heritage, power, and modern political influence within the Yoruba traditional structure. While the Alaafin of Oyo holds an undeniably revered place in Yoruba history, critics argue that no single monarch should dominate a council meant to embody the unity of all major royal houses in the state.
In recent years, traditional institutions in Nigeria have increasingly found themselves at the intersection of cultural heritage and political maneuvering. The current push to amend the chieftaincy law is seen by some as an attempt to redefine legacy roles through political channels, rather than through consensus among traditional rulers and communities.
Call for Legislative Caution
The joint statement urged the Oyo State House of Assembly to reconsider the implications of the proposed bill. It called on lawmakers to recognize the historical importance of rotational leadership in maintaining peace and inclusion among the diverse royal institutions in the state.
“We urge our legislators to reject this proposal and uphold the values of fairness, tradition, and mutual respect,” the stakeholders said.
They further emphasized the importance of dialogue and consensus-building in any decision affecting the leadership structure of the Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Looking Ahead: Political and Cultural Ramifications
As the proposed amendment continues to attract scrutiny, the Oyo State government may face increasing pressure to consult more broadly with traditional rulers and community stakeholders. Analysts suggest that imposing a unilateral change on such a sensitive issue could have political consequences ahead of future elections, particularly in areas where traditional leaders hold significant sway over public opinion.
Meanwhile, many are watching closely to see whether Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration will intervene or allow the legislative process to unfold without executive input.
At stake is not just a leadership title, but the preservation of a system that many believe has kept Oyo State’s traditional institutions stable, respected, and free from political hegemony. If passed, the amendment could signal a new chapter in the state’s traditional governance—one that might not enjoy the universal support of its royal custodians.
