The Oyo State House of Assembly, at its plenary session today, Thursday, May 15, 2025, will deliberate on the second reading of the Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025. The legislative proposal aims to reaffirm the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent Chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Oyo State.
The bill seeks to abolish the rotational leadership system among monarchs and restore the traditional structure, originally enshrined in the Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, Cap. 37, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, which vested permanent chairmanship in the Alaafin of Oyo. This provision was altered in 2011 under the administration of the late Governor Adebayo Alao Akala, introducing a rotational system among traditional rulers.
The 2025 amendment seeks to re-establish the Alaafin’s authority to convene and preside over all meetings of the Council, thus reinforcing a long-standing cultural hierarchy. The proposed provision states:
“The Chairmanship of the Council shall be permanent and concurrent to the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadan, and Soun of Ogbomoso whilst the Deputy Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen shall be as contained in Schedule II and Schedule IA to this Bill.”
Under this framework, the Alaafin of Oyo will serve as the permanent presiding Chairman. In the event of his absence, the Olubadan of Ibadan will assume the role, and if both are unavailable, the Soun of Ogbomoso will preside.
Supporters of the bill maintain that the amendment reflects historical precedence and will promote stability, clarity, and respect within the state’s traditional institution. They argue that a defined leadership structure will help avoid administrative uncertainty and uphold cultural values.
Contrary to some public misconceptions, the proposed amendment does not diminish the Alaafin’s status. Instead, it strengthens the traditional order by reaffirming the Alaafin’s position as the symbolic and functional leader of the Council.
The Oyo State House of Assembly remains committed to preserving the dignity and heritage of the state’s revered traditional institutions through legislative backing and reforms rooted in history and cultural integrity.
