The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has emerged as the first chairman of the newly reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs following its formal inauguration by Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan on Thursday.
This development follows the amendment of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, 2025, which stripped the Alaafin of Oyo of the long-held position of permanent chairman of the council. Under the new law, the chairmanship will now rotate every two years among the three foremost traditional rulers in the state: the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan. Notably, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was absent from the event.
Governor Makinde explained that the rotational chairmanship was reached after extensive consultations with the traditional rulers, stressing that the decision was aimed at promoting fairness, unity, and stability within the traditional institution.
“I called the monarchs proposed in the law and explained that the chairmanship would rotate every two years. If leaders cannot resolve issues and do what is right for the people, then we have failed,” the governor said.
He added that the monarchs collectively agreed that the rotation should commence with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, after which he formally declared the council inaugurated.
Speaking after the ceremony, Oba Ladoja commended Governor Makinde for reviving the council, which had remained inactive for many years due to legal disputes and leadership disagreements. He described the restoration of the council as a major achievement, noting that previous attempts to keep it functional had failed.
The Olubadan recalled that the council last functioned during the early years of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration before meetings were suspended over prolonged litigation involving one of the traditional rulers.
He emphasised the importance of traditional rulers as trusted intermediaries between government and the people, noting that monarchs are non-partisan and focused solely on the welfare of their communities.
“Our concern is the safety and progress of our domains. We want education for our children, good roads, electricity, water, and a peaceful environment for everyone,” he said.
The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs became dormant around 2011 due to unresolved disputes over leadership structure.
