Controversies have continued to trail the amendment of the chieftaincy law regarding the Chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent Chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs through a bill currently before the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The bill, which has passed second reading at the state assembly, has been referred to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for further legislative scrutiny.
Under the existing Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, Cap. 37, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, the Alaafin of Oyo was recognized as the permanent chairman of the Council. This arrangement gave him the authority to convene and preside over council meetings and direct its affairs.
However, in 2011, during the administration of late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, this setup was altered in favor of a rotational leadership system, allowing other prominent monarchs in the state to preside over council meetings in turns.
The 2025 amendment bill however, seeks to revert to the previous framework, naming the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman. It also establishes a hierarchy for presiding over meetings in the event of the Alaafin’s absence.
According to the bill: “The Chairmanship of the Council shall be permanent and concurrent to the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadan, and Soun of Ogbomoso whilst the Deputy Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen shall be as contained in Schedule II and Schedule Ia to this Bill.”
This provision means the Alaafin will preside over all Council meetings. In his absence, the Olubadan of Ibadan will take charge, and if both are absent, the Soun of Ogbomoso will preside.
Supporters say the proposal seeks to restore historical precedence and bring about clarity in the Council’s leadership structure.
In response, the Council of Mogajis of Ibadanland has raised concerns, warning that the amendment could cause unrest in the state.
The President of the Council, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, jointly issued a statement opposing the bill.
They emphasized Ibadan’s significant role in Yoruba history and asserted that the city has never played second fiddle to the Alaafin of Oyo.
“Ibadan has always protected and saved Yorubaland, particularly during times of war.
“If not for Ibadan, some Yoruba monarchs would have been titled Emirs. We cannot accept a permanent chairmanship for the Alaafin.
“The rotational system approved by former Governor Alao-Akala was fair, and any attempt to override it will be resisted,” The Mogajis stated.
They further warned the House of Assembly against passing what they called an “obnoxious bill”, threatening political consequences if the bill becomes law.
Meanwhile, elders of Oyo town have thrown their weight behind the amendment.
A delegation led by Chief Olaoye paid a solidarity visit to the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, commending the lawmakers for their efforts.
The delegation included prominent community members such as Rev. Osuolale, Chief Ayeriyina, and Mr. Edward Sangodare.
They expressed appreciation for the appointment of the new Alaafin, Oba Owoade, and praised the move to revive the Council after 14 years of dormancy.
“This amendment aligns with historical tradition and brings clarity to leadership roles. It is a step in the right direction,” they said.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Hon. Ogundoyin thanked the Oyo elders for their visit and reiterated the House’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution.
“The amendments are not meant to divide but to enhance our traditional system and make it more effective for the people,” he said.
He assured that the Assembly would continue to work towards reforms that promote the welfare of the traditional rulers and the people of Oyo State.