Ogbomoso Ruling Houses Unite Against Alaafin’s Permanent Obas’ Council Chairmanship Bid

Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria – The long-standing debate over the leadership of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has reignited with strong opposition from the five ruling houses of Ogbomoso. In a unified statement released today, the Mogajis (heads of the ruling houses) vehemently rejected the proposed “Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025” currently before the Oyo State House of Assembly. This bill seeks to permanently install the Alaafin of Oyo as the chairman of the council, a move the Ogbomoso Mogajis have labeled an “affront” and historically inaccurate.

The signatories to the statement include Prince Olawuyi Itabiyi (Aburumaku), Prince Sikiru Oyeyiola (Gbagun), Prince Amos Olawole Olaoye (Laoye), Prince Samuel Oyebamiji Oyedeji (Bolanta), and Prince Stephen Ilufoye Layode (Odunaro). Their collective stance underscores a deep-seated concern over the potential disruption of the existing rotational chairmanship system and the perceived marginalization of Ogbomoso’s historical significance.

The proposed amendment aims to solidify the Alaafin’s position as the permanent authority within the council, granting him the power to convene and preside over meetings, effectively ending the practice of rotational leadership among the state’s prominent traditional rulers. While the initial Council of Obas and Chiefs Law of 2000 had initially placed the Alaafin in a permanent chairmanship role, subsequent amendments introduced the rotational system.

The Mogajis argue that the historical narrative often cited to support the Alaafin’s permanent chairmanship overlooks the pivotal events of the 19th century. They contend that the destruction of Oyo-Ile in 1837 by Fulani forces marked the end of the old Oyo Empire’s supremacy, ushering in a new era where other Yoruba kingdoms, including Ogbomoso, rose to prominence. They insist that any structuring of the traditional hierarchy must be based on this “new history.”

“Oyo had a robust history cherished by all, no doubt about that. But it’s unfortunate that that trajectory ended with the destruction of Oyo-Ile by the invading Fulani warriors in 1837. A new history commenced thereafter which saw other kingdoms rising to power and importance, and we cannot disregard that. That new history subsists till today, and the hierarchy of traditional rulers must be based on the new history.

It will be an affront to do otherwise,” the statement emphasized.
The Ogbomoso ruling houses further assert that the authority of the old Oyo Empire, founded by Alaafin Oranmiyan, did not extend to the present-day Oyo, which was established in 1875 by Prince Atiba. They pointed out the historical connection of the land where the new Oyo was built to the Oja lineage of Oke-Ogede in Ogbomoso, alleging a surreptitious takeover by Prince Atiba.

The Mogajis also highlighted Ogbomoso’s crucial role in protecting the nascent Oyo settlement after the fall of Oyo-Ile and its significant contribution in halting the Fulani expansion into Yorubaland. They argued that Ogbomoso’s strategic location and military strength prevented the invaders, based in Ilorin, from advancing further south through the direct route to Oyo.

To further bolster their argument, the statement referenced historical legal battles, noting that Ogbomoso had successfully contested land disputes against Oyo, including a Supreme Court judgment in 1984 that awarded vast lands to Ogbomoso.

“And if Alaafin cannot exercise control over Ilorin today, how can he lord it over Ogbomoso that stopped the Fulani who had their base at Ilorin from penetrating Yorubaland through its route and helping significantly to halt their inordinate ambition to take over the whole of Yorubaland?” the Mogajis questioned.

They firmly stated that the era of Oyo Oranmiyan’s supremacy is distinct from the present Oyo Kingdom, where they claim the Alaafin and his people were initially “tenants.” They expressed their determination to protect the historical standing and contributions of Ogbomoso.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Mogajis concluded by reiterating their unwavering support for the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, recalling that the Soun of Ogbomoso had previously served in that capacity during the reign of the late Oba (Dr) Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III.

They urged the Oyo State House of Assembly to respect the current historical realities and maintain the established rotational system.

This strong opposition from Ogbomoso’s ruling houses sets the stage for a potentially contentious debate in the Oyo State House of Assembly as lawmakers deliberate on the proposed amendment. The outcome of this legislative process will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of traditional leadership and the balance of power within Oyo State.