The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas. Governor Seyi Makinde announced the appointment yesterday during a brief ceremony at the House of Chiefs, Agodi, Ibadan.
The event, attended by traditional rulers and dignitaries, marked a significant milestone in the leadership of the council. However, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was notably absent.
Governor Makinde explained that the chairmanship of the council will now rotate among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each monarch serving a two-year term. He said the arrangement aims to foster unity, mutual respect, and cooperation among traditional institutions while enabling each ruler to contribute meaningfully to governance and development in the state.
The absence of the Alaafin, however, has raised questions. Sources close to the palace suggested it may be linked to lingering disagreements within the state’s traditional council.
In a statement, the Alaafin’s Palace clarified its position, saying there was no prior meeting with the governor or endorsement of the rotational chairmanship. The statement, signed by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaye, read:
“At no time did His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, hold any meeting with the Governor or the other two traditional rulers regarding this rotational arrangement. The position of the Alaafin and the Oyo community on the Council has been clearly communicated in a memorandum delivered to His Excellency by the Oyo Council of Elders.”
The rotational system was initially introduced by former Governor Adebayo Alao Akala, though it was opposed by the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at the time.
While further clarification from the state government is awaited, the appointment of Oba Ladoja has been widely welcomed as a step toward strengthening traditional institutions in Oyo State.