ALAAFIN, SOUN ABSENT AS MAKINDE KICKS OFF OYO @50 ANNIVERSARY IN IBADAN
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Two prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, were notably absent on Monday as Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated activities marking the 50th anniversary of the state.
The anniversary ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, attracted family members of former governors, traditional and religious leaders, top government officials, and political stakeholders. Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western Region, with Ibadan as its capital.
While the Olubadan of Ibadan and Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, attended the event alongside other monarchs, the absence of the Alaafin and the Soun drew attention, coming amid recent controversy over the governorship’s decision to make the chairmanship of the Council of Obas rotational among the Alaafin, Soun, and Olubadan.
Governor Makinde had recently announced the rotational arrangement, stating during Oba Ladoja’s inauguration that all three monarchs had agreed to the change. However, the Alaafin later issued a rebuttal, insisting he was not consulted or part of any agreement on the matter.
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Monday’s ceremony marked the first major state function since the governor’s decision and the Alaafin’s public objection.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the spokesmen of the Alaafin and the Soun were unsuccessful, as calls to their mobile phones went unanswered.
Earlier, the state government had unveiled a week-long programme of events to mark the anniversary, including religious services, cultural exhibitions, a public lecture titled “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future,” as well as an awards and dinner night. Former House of Representatives member Saheed Fijabi chairs the 11-member anniversary planning committee.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde cut the anniversary cake and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a stronger and more competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and expands opportunities for residents.
He said the next 50 years of Oyo State should be defined by prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope, while reflecting on the legacy of former governor Bola Ige, whose policies on free education materials helped shape the state’s governance philosophy.
Makinde also highlighted a digital tribute platform launched for the anniversary, which has collected hundreds of citizen stories showcasing resilience, enterprise, and a strong sense of belonging.
“These stories are not just tributes; they are evidence of opportunity, enterprise, hope, and belonging,” the governor said.
He commended security agencies in the state for maintaining peace and assured them of continued government support, urging residents to actively participate in the anniversary activities ahead of the grand finale scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
In his remarks, the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, called for recognition of past political leaders and unsung heroes whose contributions laid the foundation for the state’s development, citing administrations from the Third Republic to more recent governments.
The absence of the Alaafin and the Soun, alongside their earlier objections to the rotational leadership of the Council of Obas, has fueled speculation about lingering tensions within the state’s traditional institutions, even as the government presses ahead with its anniversary celebrations and governance agenda.
Governor Makinde, however, maintained that his administration remains committed to inclusive governance, economic growth, and public engagement as Oyo State marks its golden jubilee.
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