IBADAN, OYO STATE — Governor Seyi Makinde has officially inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs today, January 15, 2026, at the State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan. The ceremony, which marks a significant shift in the state’s traditional administrative structure, saw the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, appointed as the Chairman of the council for a two-year term.
The inauguration follows the recent amendment to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law by the State House of Assembly, which introduced a rotational chairmanship system. Under the new legal framework, the leadership of the council will now rotate among the state’s foremost traditional rulers, departing from the historical arrangement where the position was permanently linked to the stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.
A notable development during the event was the absence of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I. While no official reason was provided for his non-attendance, observers noted that the absence comes amidst a reported deepening rift between the Oyo and Ibadan monarchs. Tension between the two stools had recently made headlines following a public encounter where traditional protocols and seniority were reportedly contested.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Makinde emphasized that the move to a rotational chairmanship was intended to foster unity and ensure that all major traditional administrative zones in the state have a sense of belonging in the council’s leadership. He urged the traditional rulers to work together to maintain peace and promote the cultural heritage of the state, particularly as 2026 is viewed as a pivotal year for the state’s economic and political expansion.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Rashidi Ladoja thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work harmoniously with other traditional rulers to support the government’s development agenda. The Olubadan, who transitioned from his role as a former governor and high chief to the 44th Olubadan in 2025, emphasized that the council would focus on resolving internal disputes and ensuring that the traditional institution remains a pillar of stability in Oyo State.
The event was attended by several first-class monarchs, including the Soun of Ogbomoso and the Seyin of Iseyin, along with senior government officials and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Despite the absence of the Alaafin, the government proceeded with the ceremony, signaling its commitment to the new legislative direction for the state’s traditional council.
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