Culture

Oyo Revives Council of Obas After 15 Years

By Web News 254

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, emerging as chairman for a two-year tenure.

The council, which remained inactive for 15 years before its reconvening, will serve as an advisory body to the state government on peace-building, conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and policy formulation.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Makinde described the reconstitution of the council as a necessity rather than an achievement, noting that it would strengthen collaboration between the government and traditional institutions.

The governor disclosed that he had met with the three imperial monarchs in the state—the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye—and that they agreed to rotate the chairmanship of the council every two years.

In his remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and current chairman of the council pledged the commitment of the traditional rulers to work collectively to improve the welfare and wellbeing of the people of Oyo State.

Radio Nigeria’s correspondent reports that the Alaafin of Oyo, who is the co-chairman of the council, was absent from the inauguration ceremony.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

Follow us on Telegram and YouTube, and join our WhatsApp Update Group for more news updates.

Legislature

Oyo Assembly Makes Council of Obas Chairmanship Rotational, Passes Amendment Bill

By Web News 302

By Mosope Kehinde

The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, following its third reading and review by the Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and State Honours.

The Bill was passed during plenary following the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours by its Vice Chairman, Mr. Bamidele Adeola.

The newly amended bill retains the rotational chairmanship clause and expands the council’s membership, reflecting a more inclusive leadership structure within the state’s traditional institutions.

The House affirmed the rotational chairmanship system, ensuring that leadership alternates among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso every two years.

This measure is aimed at strengthening unity among the state’s foremost traditional rulers and ensuring balanced representation within the council.

Additionally, the membership of the Council of Obas and Chiefs was expanded from 35 to 41, incorporating more traditional rulers from different regions of the state.

According to the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, the expansion was aimed at fostering inclusivity and providing broader representation for traditional leaders across Oyo State.

The amendments also include provisions for deputy chairmanship and vice chairmanship, further structuring the leadership of the Council.

Under the revised Schedule II, deputy chairmanship positions are designated for the Eleruwa of Eruwa, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, and the Aseyin of Iseyin, among others.

The Speaker said the passage of the bill would enhance the operational framework of the Council, promote unity among traditional rulers, and strengthen governance within the state’s royal institutions.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels, and also join our WhatsApp Update Group.