TENSION RISES AS IBADAN MOGAJIS REJECT PLAN TO MAKE ALAAFIN OBAS’ COUNCIL CHAIR
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By Oduola F.A.
Tensions are escalating in Oyo State as the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), alongside Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, and other prominent Ibadan figures, have firmly opposed the move by the Oyo State House of Assembly to install the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent Chairman of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The Ibadan stakeholders called on the Assembly to avoid actions that could sow discord, insisting that the chairmanship of the council must be rotated among the various traditional rulers in the state.
The statement followed as the assembly debated the second reading of the Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, which sought to institutionalise the Alaafin’s position as the sole authority in the council, effectively ending the longstanding rotational practice.
Historically, the Council of Obas and Chiefs Law of 2000 designated the Alaafin as the permanent chairman with the authority to convene meetings. However, recent amendments have raised concerns among Ibadan leaders.
In his remark, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), articulated their stance, stating that Ibadan has never been subordinate to Oyo.
They argued that the city has played a crucial role in protecting the Yoruba kingdom, citing historical events where Ibadan defended the region against external threats.
They highlighted that without Ibadan’s contributions, figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo might not have risen to prominence, and vital regional developments could have been stifled.
“Ibadan has always been at the forefront of Yoruba unity and progress,” they asserted, insisting that the city deserves recognition as the rightful leader within the council.
The leaders warned that if the assembly proceeds with this controversial bill, it may face significant backlash from the Ibadan community.
They reminded the assembly of former Governor Alao Akala’s endorsement of a rotational system, which was previously upheld during the tenure of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I.
The Mogajis reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the interests of Ibadan and the broader Yoruba nation, urging the assembly to reconsider its position before further escalating tensions.
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