The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was notably absent on Thursday as Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, appointing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as its first chairman.

The inauguration took place at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan. Oba Ladoja, Arusa I, will serve a two-year term as chairman. This development follows the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, which the state government said aims to strengthen traditional institutions across Oyo State.

Governor Makinde explained that the council’s chairmanship will rotate every two years among the three top monarchs of the state—the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—to promote unity and cooperation among traditional rulers.

“I consulted my three fathers—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—and the agreement is that the rotation will begin with Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan,” Makinde said. “The council last met in this capacity in 2011. For seven years, this administration has sought to strengthen traditional institutions rather than encourage division.”

Oba Ladoja, the new chairman, emphasized that the inauguration marked the beginning of the council’s work, rather than an achievement. He urged the public to trust the council’s mandate, stating that its primary responsibility is to ensure peace, safety, and progress across the state.

“Our work is not about individual interests or competition,” he said. “We aim to make our domains safe and peaceful while contributing to the state’s development.”

Earlier, Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, praised the role of royal fathers as custodians of culture and communal harmony. He expressed hope that the council would serve as a “beacon of harmony, a forum for constructive dialogue, and a strong partner in peace, security, and socio-economic advancement.”

Under the amended law, the chairmanship of the council will rotate every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.