Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday inaugurated the new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, marking a significant step towards revitalising traditional governance and strengthening unity among the state’s royal institutions.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the House of Chiefs Hall at the State Secretariat, Ibadan. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, was named the inaugural chairman of the council and will serve a two-year term. However, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the foremost traditional rulers in the state, was notably absent from the event.
The inauguration followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly. The amended law provides for a rotational chairmanship among the three leading monarchs in the state: the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each serving a two-year term.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde explained that the rotational arrangement was designed to promote unity, cooperation and fairness among traditional institutions. He said he had consulted widely with the three monarchs before the law was finalised, and they jointly agreed that the rotation should begin with the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Makinde noted that the council had not met in a formal capacity since 2011, describing the absence of a functional council for over a decade as a setback for a state regarded as a pace-setter. He stressed that traditional rulers play a crucial role in governance, particularly in providing grassroots intelligence, promoting peace and supporting development efforts.
According to the governor, the absence of a council had reduced engagement with traditional institutions to ad hoc arrangements, limiting the state’s ability to support and strengthen them properly. He added that the amended law, which he said he signed on August 14, 2025, would ensure structured engagement and accountability.
In his remarks, the newly inaugurated chairman, Oba Ladoja, urged residents of the state to have confidence in the council, emphasising that the inauguration marked the beginning of work rather than an achievement. He said the council’s primary responsibility was to ensure peace, safety and stability across its domains while contributing to the state’s overall progress.
The monarch assured the public that council members were united in purpose and not driven by rivalry or personal interests. “Our sole concern is to ensure that our domains remain safe and peaceful, and that the state continues on the path of progress,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described traditional rulers as custodians of culture, moral authority and communal harmony. He expressed hope that the council would serve as a platform for dialogue and a strong partner in advancing peace, security and socio-economic development across Oyo State.
