Oyo Civic Groups reject rotational Chairmanship Bill for State Council of Obas, urge Gov Makinde’s intervention

A coalition of civic organisations based in Oyo town has voiced strong opposition to the proposed rotational chairmanship structure for the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs currently being debated by the State House of Assembly.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the federation of Oyo-based civic groups condemned the legislative move to rotate the council’s chairmanship among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadan, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, describing it as a threat to Yoruba history, culture, and traditional authority.

The statement, co-signed by leaders of ten prominent Oyo civic and cultural groups, warned that the proposal risks eroding centuries of heritage and undermining the symbolic and historical centrality of the Alaafin’s throne.

“We recognise the constitutional powers of the legislature to enact laws,” the groups stated. “However, this proposal goes beyond administrative structuring, it touches the very soul of Yoruba identity and the sanctity of our traditional institutions. We question the historical and cultural precedents being relied upon for this legislation.”

The coalition recalled its earlier concerns over an initial concurrent chairmanship proposal, which, while still contentious, retained the Alaafin as the permanent presiding figure. The new push for a rotational system, however, is viewed as a radical shift from long-established traditions.

“The Alaafin of Oyo is not merely a royal title,” the statement noted. “It is a sacred institution, one that symbolised the grandeur of the Oyo Empire and projected Yoruba civilisation to the world long before colonialism. That throne deserves not only our respect but our collective protection.”

The group expressed dismay at what it described as “growing sentiment” from parts of Ibadan and Ogbomoso that appear to diminish the Alaafin’s historical stature. It stressed the deep historical links between Oyo and the two cities, particularly Ibadan, which it said owes much of its traditional roots and political ascendancy to the Alaafin’s legacy.

“Attempts to alter long-standing structures must not be driven by fleeting political motives or local rivalries. The Alaafin’s throne has played a key role in empowering other Yoruba monarchies. It is troubling that some beneficiaries of that legacy are now attempting to rewrite history,” the statement added.

The civic leaders called on the Oyo State House of Assembly to reconsider the bill in the interest of preserving cultural integrity and avoiding division among Yoruba communities. They also appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to use his influence to protect the traditional balance of power.

“We have engaged several cultural custodians and leaders of goodwill to intervene. We now appeal to the Governor to weigh the long-term implications of this bill and act in defence of Yoruba heritage,” the groups said.

The statement was jointly signed by Taiwo Adebyo (Oyo Global Forum), Imam Daud Igi Ogun (Oyo Descendants Union), Omo’ba Muideen Akee Adekunle Ladigbolu (Oyo Atiba Unity Forum), Dr. Gbadamosi Belau (Oyo Champions), Ismail Ademola (Oyo Solidarity Forum), Oladotun Gbenga (Oyo Visionary Group), Sheu Okanlomo (Oyo Progressive Group), Aare Almaroof Yekinni (Egbe Omo Oyo Nile Loko), Sodiq Ayobami (Oyo Development Council), and Awotona AbdulRahamon Ajadi (Ajisebi Oyo Laari Cultural Foundation).

The fate of the controversial bill remains uncertain as more voices from across Oyo State continue to weigh in on the matter.