IBADAN, OYO STATE – The Oyo State House of Assembly is poised to deliberate on a significant piece of legislation today, Thursday, May 15, 2025, as lawmakers proceed to the second reading of the Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025. This pivotal bill seeks to reinstate the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent authority and presiding chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, effectively ending the rotational chairmanship system that was introduced in 2011.
Historically, the Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, Cap. 37, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, established the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman, granting him the authority to convene and preside over council meetings and direct its affairs. However, this long-standing arrangement was altered during the administration of the late Governor Adebayo Alao Akala, leading to a system where various prominent monarchs in the state would take turns presiding over the council.
Now, the 10th Assembly is considering a return to this traditional framework through the 2025 amendment bill. The proposed legislation explicitly aims to institutionalize the Alaafin’s role as the permanent presiding chairman, while also establishing a clear hierarchy for leadership in his absence.
The proposed amendment explicitly 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”.
This translates to the Alaafin of Oyo holding the primary position, presiding over all meetings of the Council of Obas and Chiefs. In the event of his absence, the responsibility of presiding will fall to the Olubadan of Ibadan. Furthermore, should both the Alaafin and the Olubadan be unavailable, the Soun of Ogbomoso will assume the role of presiding chairman.
Supporters of the bill argue that this proposed arrangement is crucial for restoring historical precedence and ensuring a stable and unambiguous leadership structure within the Oyo State traditional council. They believe that a permanent chairmanship under the Alaafin will prevent administrative uncertainties and cultivate greater respect for the institution of traditional rulers across the state.
It is important to note that despite some misinterpretations, the proposed amendment does not diminish the authority of the Alaafin. Instead, it reaffirms his historically significant and well-established leadership role as the presiding authority over the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Oyo State. The new order being considered by the House of Assembly seeks to reinforce this tradition, ensuring the Alaafin retains his pivotal position within the state’s traditional hierarchy.
The outcome of today’s second reading will be a significant step in determining the future leadership structure of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and its implications for the traditional institution in the state.
