Stakeholders Disagree Over Rotation Of Oyo Obas Council

In a decision reflecting a response to compelling arguments, the Oyo State House of Assembly has agreed to maintain the rotational chairmanship provision for the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state.

Furthermore, the assembly has increased the council’s membership.

Naija News reports that this action follows the approval of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, which was passed after its third reading and subsequent review by the Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours.

Before the bill’s passage, the committee, led by Vice Chairman Bamidele Adeola, presented its findings to the assembly.

The revised legislation preserves the rotational chairmanship clause and broadens the council’s membership, promoting a more inclusive leadership framework within the traditional institutions of the state.

The assembly confirmed the rotational chairmanship arrangement, which ensures that leadership roles alternate among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso every two years.

According to the lawmakers, this initiative is designed to enhance unity among the leading traditional rulers and to guarantee equitable representation within the Council.

Additionally, the council’s membership has been increased from 35 to 41, allowing for the inclusion of more traditional leaders from various regions of the state.

The Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated that the expansion aims to enhance inclusivity and ensure broader representation for traditional leaders throughout Oyo State.

Naija News reports that the newly included members comprise the Olu of Igboora, the Onilala of Lanlate, and the Alado of Ado-Awaye, along with rotational representatives from local governments.

The amendments also introduced provisions for deputy chairmanship and vice chairmanship, thereby further organising the leadership structure of the Council.

However, when contacted, a Special Adviser to the Alaafin, Chief Rotimi Osuntola, expressed that while he was not representing the palace, the amendment was deemed unacceptable by the Alaafin stool and the entire Oyo community, emphasising that the matter remains in court.

Osuntola, who previously served as Chief of Staff to Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, noted that the Alaafin stool is the sole authority that has been crowning other Obas, including the Olubadan and Soun of Ogbomoso.

He also recalled that the late Alaafin Oba Lamidi Adeyemi supported the Olubadan and permitted the monarch to don a beaded crown.

“It was politicians that started this interference with the powers of the traditional rulers. They were the ones that tried to reduce the powers of the late Alaafin Adeyemi II. The interference of politicians brought us this far.

“It is totally unacceptable. The case is still in court as instituted by the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III.

“Historically, even the stool of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon is more superior to the stool of Soun of Ogbomosho and Olubadan of Ibadan,” the Nation quoted Osuntola as having said.

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