Tension As Oyo Monarchs Reject Move to Make Alaafin Permanent Council Chair, Give Reason

• The bill seeking to make the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the permanent chairman of the traditional council, has scaled a second reading at the Oyo State House of Assembly
• However, Oyo state monarchs, in a joint statement, have kicked against the move and as well rejected the bill
• The leaders affirmed that the move is a distortion of tradition and a threat to the unity of royal institutions in Oyo state

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Ibadan, Oyo state - Traditional leaders and stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have strongly opposed a proposed legal amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly seeking to make the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Oyo monarchs rage over new bill

They made their grievances known in a joint statement issued on Monday, May 19, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, and signed by Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative, prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland, and Mogajis from the Soun Ruling Houses of Ogbomoso.

The leaders argue the law undermines long-standing tradition and fairness.

As reported by The Punch, president of the Ibadan Mogajis, Asimiyu Ariori, and ICPI Coordinator, Nurudeen Akinade, reiterated that their opposition was rooted in historical precedent and a desire to ensure unity and peace across the state.

They warned the House against creating unnecessary tension, urging lawmakers to respect tradition and uphold the rotational leadership model for the Council of Obas and Chiefs.

“The chairmanship of the council has always been rotational and should remain so to reflect fairness and equity among all royal stools in the state,” the statement emphasised.

“The current Alaafin should tread softly.”

Meanwhile, the proposed amendment to the chieftaincy law, which passed second reading in the House last Thursday, would install the Alaafin as the permanent head of the council.

In the event of his absence, the Olubadan of Ibadanland would chair the council, followed by the Soun of Ogbomoso if both are unavailable.

Read more stories about Alaafin of Oyo:

• Alaafin of Oyo Oba Owoade visits Tinubu in Aso Rock, photos emerge
• Alaafin of Oyo speaks on how he heard about selection
• Alaafin of Oyo Orders Immediate Dissolution of Unauthorised Coronation Committee

Tinubu opens up on locating Alaafin of Oyo

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Tinubu has recalled how he wanted to put a call through to the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, over the location of the then Alaafin of Oyo-designate.

The president commented while playing host to the newly inaugurated Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, at the presidential villa in Abuja on Friday, May 16.

Tinubu explained that the monarch created a tension when he was first elected to be monarch, and then he returned to Canada.

Source: Legit.ng