Ibadan and Ogbomoso Leaders Reject Proposed Chieftaincy Law Amendment
Alaafin’s Proposed Permanent Chairmanship Sparks Outrage
Traditional rulers and influential stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have firmly rejected a proposed amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly that seeks to make the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs.
In a joint statement issued on Monday in Ibadan, the leaders described the legislative move as a distortion of long-standing tradition and a potential threat to the unity of the royal institutions in the state.
Broad Coalition of Traditional Voices United in Opposition
The statement was endorsed by several high-profile traditional and community groups, including:
Mogajis and Baales
Recognized monarchs
Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)
Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI)
Prominent indigenes of Ibadanland
Representatives of the Soun Ruling Houses in Ogbomoso
These groups argue that the proposed law would marginalize other key royal figures in Oyo State and break with a historic leadership tradition built on equity, rotation, and mutual respect.
The Controversial Amendment and Its Implications
Details of the Proposed Change
The amendment, which passed its second reading in the House of Assembly last Thursday, seeks to make the Alaafin the permanent chair of the council. In his absence, the role would fall to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and next to the Soun of Ogbomoso if both are unavailable.
Opponents argue this model is unbalanced and would permanently elevate one traditional ruler above others, in violation of Oyo State’s historical chieftaincy customs.
Leaders Urge Preservation of Rotational Tradition
Chief Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, and Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the ICPI, strongly opposed the bill. They warned that the change could ignite avoidable tensions across the state’s royal institutions.
“The chairmanship of the council has always been rotational and should remain so to reflect equity among all royal stools in the state,” the joint statement read.
They further emphasized that their resistance was not a personal attack on the current Alaafin, acknowledging the respect earned by the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III during his 50-year reign for his diplomacy and humility.
“We respected and honoured Oba Adeyemi’s age and wisdom. He spent over 50 years on the throne without undermining Ibadan people. The current Alaafin should tread softly.”
