The Mogajis of the Soun Ruling Houses of Ogbomoso, on Monday, rejected the Alaafin of Oyo as permanent chairman of the Obas’ council, describing the proposed amendment as a distortion of historical tradition and an affront to traditional institutions in the state.
According to them, the chairmanship of the council had always been rotational, adding that it should remain so to reflect fairness and equity.
They said, “Mogajis from Ogbomoso in their large numbers, together with Ibadan Mogajis, were this morning (yesterday) at the Oyo State House of Assembly. …CONTINUE READING
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“The respect we have for the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, was as a result of his relationship with the traditional institution and some of the distinguished personalities in Ibadanland.
“We respected and honoured Oba Adeyemi’s age, as well as his brain, having spent over 50 years on the throne before his demise, yet, he never disrespected Ibadan people, so this current Alaafin should tread softly.”
Recall that Tribune Online reported the controversy that ensued over the leadership of the Oyo State traditional rulers’ council.
The bill proposes the Alaafin of Oyo as permanent chairman, the Olubadan of Ibadan as deputy chairman, and the Soun of Ogbomoso as vice chairman.
Last week, Ibadan leaders, including the Obas, Mogajis (family heads), Baales, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), and other prominent sons and daughters, speaking on behalf of the Olubadan, rejected permanent chairmanship for the Alaafin and canvassed rotation among the three leading traditional rulers.
The supremacy war among the traditional rulers stalled the activities of the Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers under the previous occupants of the stools.
On May 15, an Executive Bill restoring the position of Alaafin as Permanent Chairman scaled through the second reading during plenary at the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The proposed legislation, christened the Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025 was passed to the House Committee on Chieftaincy Matters and State Honuors for further legislative action.
The bill is expected back on the floor for the Third Reading and further deliberations after the committee might have considered input from relevant stakeholders.
If passed and assented to by Governor Seyi Makinde, rotational chairmanship would be abolished and permanent chairmanship will be institutionalised.
The 2025 amendment bill, currently before the 10th Assembly, proposes a return to the traditional framework, making the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent presiding chairman while establishing a hierarchy for succession in meetings.
The proposed amendment reads: “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 means the Alaafin of Oyo shall preside over all council meetings, while in his absence, the Olubadan of Ibadan shall preside.
However, if both the Alaafin and Olubadan are absent, the Soun of Ogbomoso shall preside.
This proposal, it was gathered, aims to restore historical precedence and ensure a clear leadership structure within the Council.
However, the President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Asimiyu Ariori, and ICPI Coordinator, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, reaffirmed their position against permanent chairmanship.
They said in a statement that the rejection is not based on personal interest, but on historical precedence.
They also said that a permanent chairmanship would not ensure unity and peace across the state.
Ariori and Akinade also warned the House of Assembly against creating an unnecessary tension, urging the lawmakers to respect tradition and uphold the rotational leadership model.
The statement reads: “Mogajis from Ogbomoso in their large numbers, together with Ibadan Mogajis, were this morning at the Oyo State House of Assembly.
“The respect we have for the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, was as a result of his relationship with the traditional institution and some of the distinguished personalities in Ibadanland.
“We respected and honored Oba Adeyemi’s age, as well as his brain, having spent over 50 years on the throne before his demise. Yet, he never disrespected Ibadan people. So, this current Alaafin should thread softly.
“The Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, last Saturday at the grand finale of 2025 Ibadan week received an award of “Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan”, and all members of the House were also present at the event, including the Deputy Speaker. This speaks volumes.”
