Alaafin absent as Gov Makinde swears in new Obas council led by Olubadan

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday inaugurated a reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, introducing a rotational chairmanship arrangement among three leading traditional rulers in the state.

The inauguration ceremony took place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1, was named the pioneer chairman of the council and will serve a two-year term.

Notably absent from the event was the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the most prominent monarchs in the state.

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The development follows the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly, a legislation designed to strengthen traditional governance in the state.

Under the amended law, the rotational chairmanship structure remains in place, with the leadership of the council alternating every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.

Oba Ladoja, a former Oyo State governor and veteran politician, ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in September 2025, following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.