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Just In: Olubadan Becomes Chairman, Oyo Council Of Obas

ByOlamilekan Adigun

PublishedJanuary 15, 2026

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, bringing to an end 15 years of inactivity of the statutory traditional council, with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, emerging as its pioneer chairman.

Addressing the gathering, during the historic inauguration, held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan, Governor Makinde announced that the chairmanship of the council would operate on a rotational basis among the three foremost traditional rulers in the state — the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Soun of Ogbomosoland — with each monarch expected to serve a two-year term.

He explained that the rotational arrangement was designed to foster unity, mutual respect and cooperation among the traditional institutions, while allowing each of the royal fathers to contribute meaningfully to governance and development in the state.

According to the governor, the agreement among the trio was that the rotation would commence with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, hence his emergence as chairman.

Makinde recalled that the council last convened in 2011, describing its prolonged inactivity as unhealthy for a pace-setting state like Oyo, especially given the critical role traditional rulers play in governance, peace-building and grassroots intelligence.

He noted that while his administration could have exploited divisions among traditional institutions, it deliberately chose consensus and consultation, stressing that many of the achievements recorded by his government were traceable to regular engagements and feedback from royal fathers across the state.

In his acceptance remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, said the inauguration signified the beginning of responsibility rather than an accomplishment, urging residents to place confidence in the council’s mandate.

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He stressed that the council was not established to promote rivalry or personal ambitions among traditional rulers, noting that public trust would deepen after its first sitting, as people would realise that members were united in purpose and not in competition.

Oba Ladoja explained that the council’s foremost responsibility is to promote peace and safety within their domains, while also contributing to the overall progress and stability of Oyo State.

He added that the council’s focus would remain on collective responsibility and cooperation, with the ultimate goal of making Oyo State a better place for all residents.

“This inauguration is not an achievement in itself; it marks the beginning of serious work,” the Olubadan said.

Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade was absent at the event.

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.