MAKINDE APPOINTS LADOJA AS OYO OBAS COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, ALAAFIN OBJECTS

By: Balogun Ibrahim

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs for the first time in 15 years, naming the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as its inaugural chairman.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was notably absent from the ceremony, which took place at the House of Chiefs in the Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde stated that the chairmanship of the council would rotate among the Olubadan, the Alaafin, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, in line with an agreement reached during a meeting with the three first-class monarchs.

However, in a swift response on Thursday, the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaye, refuted Governor Makinde’s claim, insisting that no such meeting took place.

The statement read: “The attention of the Alaafin’s palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, claiming he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state—the Alaafin, the Olubadan, and the Soun of Ogbomoso—on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

“The palace wishes to state unequivocally that at no time did His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, hold any meeting with either the state governor or any of the other two traditional rulers mentioned.”

The Alaafin’s palace further clarified that he did not communicate any endorsement of a rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the state.

“The Alaafin did not tell the governor nor make any categorical statement supporting rotational leadership among the three monarchs,” the statement read. “The position of His Imperial Majesty and the wider Oyo community on the State Council of Obas and Chiefs has already been conveyed to His Excellency through a memo delivered by the Oyo Council of Elders.”

Thursday’s inauguration came amid speculation of a feud between the Alaafin and Oba Ladoja. A viral video circulating on social media recently appeared to show the Alaafin not rising to greet Oba Ladoja at a public event, while the Olubadan was also seen seemingly declining the Alaafin’s handshake.

Speaking to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday, Oba Ladoja dismissed claims of any rift with Oba Owoade.

During the inauguration, Governor Makinde reiterated that the chairmanship of the council would rotate among the Olubadan of Ibadan, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, with each monarch serving a two-year term. He explained that the arrangement is intended to foster unity, harmony, and cooperation among traditional institutions in the state.

Governor Seyi Makinde said, “No matter how difficult an issue may seem, we will find a resolution. My three fathers; the Alaafin of Oyo, the Kabiyesi Olubadan, and the Kabiyesi Soun agreed that the rotation will begin with the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

“On that basis, I hereby inaugurate the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, starting with Kabiyesi Olubadan of Ibadan land, who will serve a two-year term. The council last met in this form in 2011, and we have been working toward this for a while. I’ve been in office for nearly seven years now.

“The easiest path would have been to encourage division ‘divide and rule’ is always the simplest option. But we recognise that much of what we have achieved as an administration is tied to our traditional institutions. I rely on discussions with you to understand what is happening in our communities.

“It is a shame that for 15 years there has been no formal Council of Obas and Chiefs. Without a council, how can the state play an active role? Until now, we’ve been operating on ad hoc arrangements since 2011. Since taking office in 2019, I have encouraged the House of Assembly and consulted widely with traditional rulers to restore this council.”

Governor Makinde added, “When we look at this House of Chiefs, we see little progress. It has only been used for occasional events. Our traditional institutions, however, must be strengthened. The Advisory Council was not functioning effectively because there was no leadership, and no one was coordinating with the state government. The law establishing it was passed by the State House of Assembly, and I signed it on August 14, 2025.”

In his remarks, Oba Ladoja called on the public to place their trust in the newly inaugurated council, emphasizing that the event marked the start of work, not an accomplishment.

“The primary responsibility of the council is to maintain peace and security within our domains while supporting the continued progress of the state,” he said.

He added that public confidence in the council would strengthen after its first meeting, as residents would see that members were united in purpose rather than in competition.

“We appreciate the goodwill and congratulations we have received. This inauguration is not an achievement in itself; it marks the beginning of serious work. After our first meeting, people will start to trust us because they will see that we are not in competition with one another. We are not here to fight or pursue personal interests, there is nothing to fear.

“Our focus is ensuring that our domains remain safe and peaceful and that the state continues on a path of progress. We want Oyo to be a good place for everyone. This council exists to bring people together and work collectively for the common good,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described traditional rulers as custodians of culture and communal harmony, noting that they have long been pillars of peace, moral authority, and grassroots development.

“As we formally inaugurate this council, it is my sincere hope that it will serve as a beacon of harmony, a forum for constructive dialogue, and a strong partner in our shared pursuit of peace, security, and socio-economic advancement,” Ojo said.

Also on Thursday, Oba Ladoja dismissed claims that he intentionally snubbed the Alaafin during an inter-faith gathering in Ibadan on Monday.

Speaking to journalists, the Olubadan described the allegation as a misunderstanding that had been exaggerated on social media.

“There was no intention whatsoever. What happened was not deliberate and has been misinterpreted, especially online,” he said.

The Media reported that a video circulating on social media suggested the Olubadan ignored the Alaafin during the 2026 Inter-Faith Gathering at the Grand Space behind the Oyo State House of Assembly.

Explaining his actions, Ladoja said he had arrived late and was simply trying to take his seat quietly without disrupting the event.

“When I arrive late somewhere, I try to settle in quietly. Just like at the mosque, when prayers are ongoing, you wait until people are properly arranged before joining. I was merely trying to take my seat before anyone could say I could no longer move,” he said.

He added that seating arrangements and changes in the positions of dignitaries affected his movement within the hall.

“My seat was between the Soun and the Alaafin. I had to pass through some people to get there. I did not make any decision to avoid or ignore anyone. Why should I?” he asked.

Ladoja also expressed concern over what he called deliberate mischief by some commentators.

“If you watch the full video, you will see that I greeted people, including the governor. But social media often takes things out of context,” he said.

On whether he had addressed any perceived grievances, the Olubadan insisted there was no tension between the traditional institutions.

“I don’t believe anyone was being offensive, and I do not see this as an insult to anybody. My focus is on uniting the present generation and those coming after us. We must raise standards, especially in education, and focus on what truly advances our society,” he added.