- The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed a bill approving the rotation of chairmanship of the state’s Council of Obas among the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland
- The bill passed its third reading on Tuesday, May 20, after debate and the presentation of a committee report, despite opposition from some lawmakers and traditional stakeholders
- Two lawmakers staged a walkout over the process, while traditional leaders from Ibadan and Ogbomoso expressed discontent over the lack of stakeholder consultation
The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, May 20, approved the rotation of the chairmanship of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs among three prominent monarchs — the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
The decision was reached during plenary after the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, leading to the bill’s third reading and eventual passage.
The bill had earlier sparked intense debate among traditional rulers and stakeholders when it was introduced last Thursday, with some viewing it as a progressive move and others strongly opposing it.
During the session, two lawmakers representing Oyo East and Atiba constituencies, Olorunpoto Rahman and Gbenga Oyekola, walked out in protest. Rahman later criticised the legislative process, noting the absence of public hearings and consultations with stakeholders from Oyo.
“We should not make laws for political convenience. We are not satisfied with the process that the committee walked through. There is no instance where anyone from Oyo was invited to speak,” he said.
Despite the controversy, the House also approved the appointment of 13 council chairmen, including the Otun and Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Earlier, traditional rulers and community leaders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland had jointly opposed a separate proposal to make the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman of the council, citing concerns about historical fairness and political implications.
New Alaafin of Oyo credits his emergence to God's will
Earlier, TheRadar reported that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Olatunji Owoade, expressed deep gratitude for his ascension to the throne, attributing it entirely to divine will rather than political manoeuvring or external influence.
In his first public statement after being crowned the 46th Alaafin, Owoade made it clear that his emergence was not influenced by any political connections, stating that he had never met Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde nor former Senator Monsurat Sunmonu during the selection process.
