Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, with the chairmanship set to rotate among three leading traditional rulers in the state.

The inauguration, which took place at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, saw the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, emerge as the inaugural chairman of the council for a two-year term.

However, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the foremost monarchs in the state, was conspicuously absent from the event.

The inauguration followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly, a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions in the state.

Speaking during the inauguration, Makinde said the Chairmanship of the council will be rotational among the trio of Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, and Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each leader serving a term of two years.

He explained that the decision was aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among the traditional institutions in the state. .

He said, “I called the monarchs that we proposed in the law that the chairmanship of the Council of Obas will rotate, and I believe from the law it’s every two years that it will rotate. This is what we are known for. But when we sit down, if we don’t resolve issues and do what is right and proper for our people, then we have failed.

“So, I consulted my three fathers—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—and the agreement is that they will start the rotation with Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan.

“So on that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated, in person of Kabieyesi Olubadan of Ibadan land for two years. The Council, like the Commissioner mentioned, last met like this in 2011. And we’ve been at this for a while. I mean, I’ve been here for close to seven years now.

“It will be seven years exactly in May 29 that this administration came into office. And the easiest thing for me to do, or for this administration to do, is to encourage a division. You know, when they say divide and rule, that is the easiest thing.


“But we know that some of the things that we have been able to achieve as an administration, they can be traced to our traditional institution. You come to me, we discuss, we rub minds what is happening in our various communities.
“I get most of those information from yourselves. And then we thought, is it not a shame that for 15 years running now or your state that is supposed to be setting the pace? We don’t have a Council of Obas and Chiefs.

“And some of the things that we’re supposed to do as an administration for our traditional institution as a state, but as the state also, we’re supposed to look after our traditional rulers. But if we don’t have a council, how do we play an active role as a state?
“At best, what we have will be an adhoc arrangement, which is what has been happening since 2011. I’ve been here since 2019. So I encouraged the status of assembly and also I consulted widely amongst the traditional rulers.

“I mean, if we look at this, this is House of Chiefs. We cannot see any improvement. We only come here for a few events. But our traditional institution must be strengthened. The AC is not working because nobody is in charge. There’s no one telling us, calling the State Government on this. We signed the law passed by the State House of Assembly, and I signed it on August 14, 2025.”

In his remarks, the new council chairman, Oba Ladoja urged the general public to have confidence in the council’s mandate, saying the event marked the beginning of work rather than an achievement.

“The primary responsibility of the council is to ensure peace and safety across their domains while contributing to the continued progress of the state,” he said.


Ladoja stated that confidence in the council would grow after its first meeting, as people would come to understand that members were united in purpose and not in competition with one another.

The monarch said the council’s work was focused on making the state a better place for all the residents.

“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 begin to have confidence in us, because they will see that we are not in competition with one another. We are not here to fight or to pursue personal interests, so there is nothing to fear.
“Our sole concern is to ensure that our domains remain safe and peaceful, and that the state continues on the path of progress. We want the state to be a good place for everyone. That is the purpose of this council. This is not about any individual; it is about bringing people together and working collectively for the common good,” he explained.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter, Ademola Ojo, stated that as custodians of our culture and communal harmony, royal fathers have, over the years, remained the pillars of peace, moral authority and grassroots development, complementing the efforts of the government in fostering unity and progress across the state.
“As we formally inaugurate this council, it’s my earnest hope that it will remain a beacon of harmony, a forum for constructive dialogue, and a strong partner in our shared quest for peace, security and socio-economic advancement,” Ojo stated.
Under the amended law, the chairmanship of the council will rotate every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.