Olubadan Takes Helm of Oyo Obas’ Council as Alaafin Shuns Inauguration

 

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has emerged as the pioneer chairman of the newly inaugurated Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, following a reform that introduced rotational leadership among foremost monarchs in the state.

Governor Seyi Makinde performed the inauguration on Thursday at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, setting the council on a new footing aimed at strengthening the traditional institution and promoting unity among royal fathers.

Notably absent at the ceremony was the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, whose seat is one of the three designated to occupy the chairmanship on a rotational basis alongside the Olubadan and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.

The development followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, recently approved by the House of Assembly to restructure the leadership framework of the council.

Explaining the rationale behind the new arrangement, Governor Makinde said the decision was reached after broad consultations with the leading monarchs.

“I consulted my three fathers—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—and we agreed that the chairmanship will rotate every two years, beginning with the Olubadan,” the governor stated.

He urged the monarchs to use the platform to deepen peace and development across the state, stressing that traditional institutions remain critical partners in governance.

“With this inauguration, I charge our revered fathers to continue to place the interest of our people above all else. If we fail to resolve issues amicably, then we have failed our communities,” Makinde added.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor of the state, was installed as the 44th Olubadan in September 2025 following the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

Under the amended law, leadership of the council will rotate biennially among the three paramount stools, a move government officials say will prevent rivalry and ensure inclusiveness.

The absence of the Alaafin, however, sparked discussions among stakeholders, though no official reason was given at press time.