The corridors of power in Oyo State have recently witnessed a significant show of unity among traditional rulers.
At the heart of this development is the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, who has promised strong backing for the newly appointed chairman of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Warm Reception for Governor Makinde at Orile-Igbon Palace
The assurance came during a palace visit by Governor Seyi Makinde to Orile-Igbon in Surulere Local Government Area on Friday.
Speaking to the governor, Oba Alao expressed gratitude for the visit and emphasized that the council members were fully supportive of both the state government and the new council leadership.
“We stand united across all five zones — Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa.
Oba Ladoja will have the backing of the entire council,” the Olugbon affirmed in a statement released on Sunday in Ibadan, the state capital.
A Milestone After 15 Years: Re-inauguration of the Obas Council
Governor Makinde had, on Thursday, officially inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, marking the first time in 15 years the council had been formally reconstituted.
Oba Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadan, emerged as the first chairman of this renewed council, signaling a new chapter for traditional governance in the state.
Notably, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was absent from the inauguration held at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan’s Parliament Building.
During the ceremony, Governor Makinde explained that the chairmanship of the council would rotate among the Olubadan, the Alaafin, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, a practice he said was agreed upon in a meeting with the three first-class monarchs.
Alaafin’s Palace Disputes Governor’s Claim
Contradicting the governor’s statement, a press release from the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaye, clarified that no such meeting took place.
The statement read, “The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has never met with the governor or the other two rulers to discuss the rotational chairmanship.”
This development highlights ongoing sensitivities around protocol and consultation among the state’s traditional institutions.
Olugbon Stresses Unity and Modern Governance
Oba Alao, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the council, emphasized that the traditional institution must evolve to meet contemporary realities.
He encouraged cooperation with the state government, stressing that unity among rulers was crucial for effective governance.
“The world is constantly changing. Once mighty empires like the Romans, French, and British have given way to new powers such as the United States, Russia, and China.
Likewise, our governance system in Nigeria is evolving.
We must embrace collaboration for the sake of good governance, economic growth, and peaceful coexistence in Oyo State,” he explained.
Other Traditional Rulers in Attendance
Oba Alao was joined by several prominent rulers during the governor’s visit, including the Aresapa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Ajiboye; the Aranyin of Iranyin, Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke; the Olujado of Ijado, Oba Hammed Adegbile; and Iba Abogunde Tajudeen Aminullahi.
Their presence reinforced the message of solidarity and support for the newly inaugurated council.
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