BREAKING NEWS Makinde Inaugurates Olubadan as Chairman of Oyo Council of Obas for New Two-Year Term

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Olubadan of Ibadanland as the new Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas, marking the commencement of a fresh two-year tenure in line with the state’s rotational leadership arrangement.
The chairmanship of the council rotates among the three foremost traditional rulers in the state — the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosho — a system designed to promote fairness, unity, and mutual respect among the historic kingdoms of Oyo State.
Governor Makinde, while speaking at the inauguration ceremony, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to uphold and strengthen traditional institutions as key stakeholders in governance, peacebuilding, and grassroots development.
According to the governor, traditional rulers remain custodians of culture and values and play a crucial role in fostering peace and supporting government policies at the community level.
Historical Significance
The rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas is anchored in history and reinforced by state laws regulating traditional institutions. The Alaafin of Oyo traces his authority to the ancient Oyo Empire, once a dominant political force across much of the Yoruba region. The Olubadan of Ibadanland represents Ibadan’s distinctive historical evolution as a 19th-century military and administrative center governed by a structured chieftaincy system. The Soun of Ogbomosho symbolizes the resilience and strategic importance of Ogbomosho as a key settlement during the Yoruba wars.
The rotational arrangement was introduced to ensure balanced representation and to prevent the concentration of leadership within the council, thereby strengthening harmony among the royal institutions.
Call for Cooperation
Governor Makinde charged the newly inaugurated chairman to use his tenure to deepen unity among traditional rulers and to continue partnering with the state government in advancing peace, security, and development across Oyo State.
In his response, the Olubadan expressed appreciation to the governor and fellow monarchs, pledging to lead the council with fairness, wisdom, and respect for long-standing traditions.
The development underscores Oyo State’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while aligning traditional governance with modern democratic principles.