Governor Seyi Makinde has officially inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, appointing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as its chairman.
The ceremony took place on Thursday at the House of Chiefs, located within the State House of Assembly Complex in Agodi, Ibadan.
Under this new arrangement, the Olubadan is expected to lead the council for a two-year term. After this period, the chairmanship will rotate to another prominent monarch in the state.
This move follows the recent legal amendments that allow the leadership of the traditional council to move between top rulers.
A notable highlight of the event was the absence of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade. While the reasons for his absence were not officially stated, the event proceeded with a significant turnout from other parts of the state.
More than 40 traditional rulers attended the inauguration to witness the restoration of the council’s activities.
The Council of Obas and Chiefs has been largely inactive for over a decade. Records indicate that the body last held a formal meeting in 2011.
Governor Makinde’s administration has been working to resolve the long-standing disputes that previously prevented the council from functioning effectively.
The leadership of the council was a subject of intense debate for years. Traditionally, the Alaafin of Oyo held the position of permanent chairman.
However, the House of Assembly eventually approved a rotational chairmanship system. This system includes the Alaafin, the Olubadan, and the Soun of Ogbomoso as the primary rotating heads.
The Governor expressed optimism that this new structure would foster unity among traditional institutions.
He urged the monarchs to use the platform to support the government’s efforts in maintaining peace and security across the various zones of the state.