Amanze Chinonye
The controversy surrounding the revival of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has intensified, with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, reportedly considering legal action against the state government over the newly introduced rotational leadership structure of the council.
The latest development follows the Alaafin’s continued rejection of claims by Governor Seyi Makinde that all major traditional rulers were consulted before amendments to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law stripped the Oyo monarch of his long-standing status as permanent chairman of the council.
Multiple reports on Wednesday indicated that the Alaafin is weighing litigation, arguing that the process leading to the rotational arrangement lacked consultation, consent, and respect for established traditional hierarchy. The palace has maintained that no formal meeting or agreement took place between the monarch and the state government on the issue.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe monarch’s position was further reinforced in a public response in which he explained his absence from the council’s inauguration in Ibadan, where the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was installed as the council’s inaugural chairman under the new rotational system.
According to the Alaafin, his decision to stay away from the event was deliberate and rooted in principle, as he could not participate in a process he neither endorsed nor was properly briefed on. The palace described claims of prior consultation as “misleading,” insisting that the Alaafin was only informed of the changes after legislative steps had already been taken.
READ ALSO : Alaafin’s Absence, Power Shift Cast Shadow Over Oyo Obas’ Council Revival
Governor Makinde has, however, stood by the reforms, stating that the rotational chairmanship which will alternate every two years among the Olubadan, the Alaafin, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland was designed to promote equity, inclusiveness, and harmony among traditional institutions in the state.
The disagreement has drawn reactions beyond the palace and government circles. Some civil society groups and cultural stakeholders in Oyo State have criticised the rotational model, warning that it could erode the historical pre-eminence of the Alaafin’s stool and deepen divisions among traditional rulers. Others have urged restraint, calling for dialogue rather than legal confrontation.
With the dispute now threatening to move from public exchanges to the courtroom, observers say the unfolding situation poses an early test for the revived Obas’ Council, which the state government had envisioned as a platform for unity, peacebuilding, and grassroots governance.
As consultations continue behind the scenes, attention is shifting to whether the parties can de-escalate tensions through engagement, or whether judicial intervention will redefine the limits of state authority over traditional institutions in Oyo State.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
