The Olugbon of Orile-Igbo, Oba Francis Alao, has called for an immediate halt to the Council of Obas and Chiefs (further amendment) Bill 2025 before Oyo State House of Assembly, describing it as a faulty political document.
Urging the lawmakers to give room for further consultations on the bill, the monarch stressed that the bill was faulty and defective because there was no adequate consultation by the House of Assembly, neither was there public hearing nor enquiry before it was presented and considered.
In a statement signed by his Media Consultant, Bisi Oladele, the monarch faulted the amendment, which listed the 10 Ibadan high chiefs, who were members of the Olubadan-In-Council, as members of the Council, noting that such move was an aberration in culture and tradition.
The statement said: “The Palace of the Olugbon of Orile-Igbo views the Council of Obas and Chiefs (further amendment) Bill 2025 before the Oyo State House of Assembly as a faulty political document, whose consideration should be halted to give room for consultations.
Rotation of Oyo Obas’ Council sparks controversy
Meanwhile, in what could be described as yielding to superior arguments, Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday succumbed to pressure by retaining the rotational chairmanship clause of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state.
The lawmakers also expanded the membership of the Council.
The development was sequel to the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, following its third reading and review by the Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours.
Prior to the passage, the House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours through its Vice Chairman, Bamidele Adeola, presented its report to the House.
The newly amended bill retains the rotational chairmanship clause and expands the council’s membership, reflecting a more inclusive leadership structure within the state’s traditional institutions.
The House affirmed the rotational chairmanship system, ensuring leadership alternates among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso every two years.
This measure, according to the lawmakers, is aimed at strengthening unity among the foremost traditional rulers and ensuring balanced representation within the Council.
Additionally, the membership of the Council of Obas and Chiefs was expanded from 35 to 41, incorporating more traditional rulers from different regions of the state.
The Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin,.said the expansion was aimed at fostering inclusivity and providing broader representation for traditional leaders across Oyo State.
Among the newly-added members are: the Olu of Igboora, the Onilala of Lanlate, and the Alado of Ado-Awaye, as well as rotational representatives from local governments.
The amendments also included provisions for deputy chairmanship and vice chairmanship, further structuring the leadership of the Council.
Contacted, a Special Adviser to the Alaafin, Chief Rotimi Osuntola, said although he was not speaking on behalf of the palace, the amendment was unacceptable to the Alaafin stool and the entire Oyo town, noting that the case was still in court.
Osuntola, a former Chief of Staff to Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, said the Alaafin stool was the only one that had been crowning other Obas, including the Olubadan and Soun of Ogbomoso.
He recalled that the late Alaafin Oba Lamidi Adeyemi supported the Olubadan and even allowed the monarch to wear beaded crown.
“It was politicians that started this interference with the powers of the traditional rulers. They were the ones that tried to reduce the powers of the late Alaafin Adeyemi II. The interference of politicians brought us this far.
“It is totally unacceptable. The case is still in court as instituted by the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III.
“Historically, even the stool of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon is more superior to the stool of Soun of Ogbomosho and Olubadan of Ibadan.’’
The Nation
