- I Was Not Consulted on Obas Council Leadership Change – Alaafin
- Makinde stated that the decision followed consultations with the three foremost traditional rulers in the state
- The Alaafin of Oyo is widely regarded as one of the most influential traditional rulers in Yorubaland
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has publicly disagreed with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over claims that he was consulted before the introduction of a rotational chairmanship for the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement released on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said he was neither consulted nor involved in any discussions leading to the decision announced by the governor.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Court Remands Portable Over Assault, Theft Charges
- Uganda Orders Internet Shutdown Ahead of Election
- Truck Crash into Church: Epe LG Chairman Calls for Calm, Assures Community Support
Governor Makinde, while inaugurating the reconstituted State Council of Obas and Chiefs, had disclosed that the chairmanship of the council would rotate among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Alaafin of Oyo. Under the new arrangement, the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was named the pioneer chairman.
The governor stated that the decision followed consultations with the three foremost traditional rulers in the state.
However, the Alaafin’s Palace rejected this assertion, insisting that no such consultation ever took place. According to the statement, Oba Owoade neither met with Governor Makinde nor held talks with the Olubadan or the Soun of Ogbomoso regarding the rotational leadership of the council.
“The Palace wishes to categorically state that at no time did His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, hold any meeting with the governor or with any of the traditional rulers mentioned on this issue,” the statement said.
It further clarified that the Alaafin did not express support for, or give approval to, the rotational chairmanship arrangement at any point.
The Palace also recalled that the official position of the Alaafin and the people of Oyo on the leadership of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs had already been formally communicated to the governor through a memorandum submitted by the Oyo Council of Elders.
The document, it noted, reflected Oyo’s long-standing historical stance on the structure and leadership of the council.
The disagreement has added a new dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding the reconstitution of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which has continued to generate strong public reactions.
While the state government maintains that the rotational arrangement is intended to promote fairness, unity, and harmony among traditional institutions, critics argue that it disregards historical precedence and the established hierarchy of Yoruba traditional authority.
The Alaafin of Oyo is widely regarded as one of the most influential traditional rulers in Yorubaland, with deep historical roots as the custodian of the old Oyo Empire and a symbol of enduring cultural and political leadership.
FURTHER READING
- Tinubu Not Missing, Fully Engaged Despite Abu Dhabi Trip – Lagos APC
- Epe LG Chairman Steps In as Death Toll Rises to Seven in Hospital Road Church Tragedy
- Children’s Health at Risk: Cardiologist Advises Reducing Sugary Beverages
Click here to watch video of the week
