Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has restored the rotational leadership of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, emerging as chairman.
Makinde on Thursday formally inaugurated the Council, ending a 14 year hiatus that had left the body inactive since 2011.
The development followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025 by the State House of Assembly and its subsequent assent by the governor.
The amended law provides for the chairmanship of the Council to rotate among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Under the new arrangement, the Olubadan will serve as chairman for two years before the position rotates to one of the other monarchs.
Speaking at the inauguration, Makinde said the decision to commence the rotation with the Olubadan was reached after consultations with the three monarchs.
He explained that the prolonged absence of the Council had deprived traditional rulers of certain statutory benefits and formal avenues to engage the state government, noting that the inauguration had now restored those rights.
According to him, the Council is now properly positioned to make demands and offer guidance to government on issues affecting the people, adding that the state would support its smooth operation.
Makinde also disclosed that the renovation of the House of Chiefs, where the Council holds its meetings, would begin once the Council formally communicates its request to the government.
While acknowledging that the amended law might not be flawless, the governor said it remained open to future review if the need arose and there was consensus among stakeholders.
“We signed the law passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly on August 14, 2025. The law may not be perfect, but that is why the House of Assembly exists.
“If realities on the ground show that further amendments are necessary, and there is agreement, the lawmakers are there to do their job,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, described the inauguration as a reaffirmation of the relevance of traditional institutions as custodians of culture, values and community cohesion.
He said the Council would serve as a critical advisory body in promoting peace, resolving conflicts, preserving cultural heritage and contributing to policy formulation and grassroots development through the collective wisdom and experience of its members.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Oba Ladoja expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for reviving the Council after years of inactivity, describing the achievement as significant.
He recalled that the last meeting of the Council held during the early period of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration before legal disputes stalled its activities.
Commending the governor’s approach, the Olubadan said traditional rulers remained close to the people and enjoyed their trust because they were non partisan.
“Our concern is simple. Our domains must be safe, peaceful and progressive. We want education for our children, electricity, water and good roads. These are the basics our people expect,” he said.
The event attracted top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; a former Deputy Governor, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and several commissioners, lawmakers and local government chairmen.