Traditional leaders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have vehemently opposed a proposed amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly to install the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, and prominent indigenes of both regions—including the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), and representatives of the Soun Ruling Houses in Ogbomoso—described the move as a distortion of established tradition and a threat to the unity of the state’s traditional institutions.
They asserted that the chairmanship of the Obas Council has historically rotated among the major royal thrones in the state, and any attempt to alter this model would amount to marginalisation and a breach of historical equity.
“Our stand is not based on personal interest or tribal sentiment,” said Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, alongside ICPI Coordinator Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade. “We are standing firm to preserve our heritage and maintain fairness in the leadership of the Council of Obas and Chiefs.”
The traditional leaders urged the state legislature, led by Speaker Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, to resist the pressure to alter the rotational leadership format, warning that the amendment could stoke unnecessary tension and division among Yoruba monarchs.
They also called for respect toward the legacy of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who, despite his long reign of over five decades, never disrespected other royal institutions in the state.
“The current Alaafin should emulate the humility and wisdom of his predecessor,” the leaders cautioned. “Imposing permanent leadership on a historically rotational position is unacceptable.”
They further referenced the Speaker’s recent honor as “Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan” during the 2025 Ibadan Week celebration, suggesting that the legislative leadership should reflect the inclusive spirit recognized during the event.
The opposition from Ibadan and Ogbomoso underscores growing concerns over attempts to centralise traditional leadership in Oyo State, a move many stakeholders fear could disrupt long-standing balance and provoke avoidable friction within the revered Yoruba chieftaincy system.
