Alaafin absent as Makinde appoints Olubadan as Oyo Obas’ council chairman

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appointed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the chairman of the newly inaugurated Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, 15 years after it was last constituted.

Makinde inaugurated the council at the House of Chiefs, State Secretariat in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

About 30 traditional rulers across Oyo State were present at the inauguration, while the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was absent.

In his address, Makinde said the inauguration was the outcome of his consultations with the top three traditional rulers in Oyo State.

He listed them as the Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

Makinde said the chairmanship position will rotate every two years among the three traditional rulers.

Makinde thanked the state’s traditional rulers for their support and cooperation, while expressing confidence that the council would work together to achieve its goals.

The governor added that his administration would provide the necessary support, including a befitting House of Chiefs and infrastructure, to facilitate the council’s work and enable it to function effectively.

Oba Ladoja appreciated Makinde for his efforts to revive the council and expressed confidence that the body would work together to promote peace and progress in Oyo State.

While the reason for the Alaafin’s absence from the inauguration could not be ascertained, it further heightened tensions following a recent public event in Ibadan where Oba Ladoja ignored the monarch’s handshake.

The Star