The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mogaji’s in Ibadanland, Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Baales, Monarchs and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland has kicked against attempt by the Oyo State House of Assembly to make the Alaafin of Oyo, the permanent Chairman, Oyo State Council of Oba’s and Chiefs.
The Ibadan stakeholders warned the State House of Assembly not to create problem, saying the Chairmanship position of Council of Chiefs and Obas in Oyo State has always and should be on rotational basis.
Recall that the Oyo State House of Assembly is deliberating on the second reading of the Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025 at its plenary session today.
The proposed legislation seeks to reaffirm and institutionalize the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent authority and presiding chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs, effectively abolishing the rotational chairmanship system among traditional rulers in the state.
The Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, Cap. 37, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, initially placed the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman, giving him the authority to convene and preside over meetings, while directing council affairs before it was amended
But a statement by President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogajis Asimiyu Ariori and Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogajis Nurudeen Akinade stated that Ibadan people has never for ones be in second in command to Oyo, but rather position herself in the protection of the entire Yoruba kingdom.
The duo said Ibadan has vast empire and has saved the entire Yoruba land many times.
According to the duo, If not for Ibadan that stopped the Fulani people when they were advancing towards southwest, some Yoruba monarchs would have been titled as Emir’s.
“Chief Obafemi Awolowo wouldn’t have became the Premier of Western region if not for Ibadan People’s party that joined hands with Action Group (AG) against NCNC of Nnamdi Azikwe., by now the free Education and infrastructure, industrial and other developmental efforts would have probably eluded the Yorubaland.
“Ibadan has always been saving Yoruba nation, there was never a time Ibadanland has been second in command to Oyo or any other town in Yorubaland, in fact, Ibadan should be make the permanent chairman of Oyo Obas. For the fact that we keep quite doesn’t mean that we are fools.
“When Ibadan people do not claim to be the permanent chairman, why will Oyo Alaafin want to be so ? The Oyo State House of Assembly will have themselves to blame if the Tories obnoxious bill scales through.
“Former governor Christopher Alao Akala has approved the rotational Oyo Obas rotational chairmanship during his tenure as the governor of Oyo State, with HIM, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1 presided over the Council meeting. Ibadan will not take it because we are always the number one in all affairs.”
