Oyo Assembly Approves Rotational Leadership for Council of Obas

The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved an amendment to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, introducing a rotational system for the chairmanship of the council. The new arrangement will see the position rotate among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso.

The amendment follows intense debate and public concern over an earlier proposal to make the Alaafin the permanent chairman—a move that was met with opposition from stakeholders, including traditional leaders (Mogajis) from Ibadan and Ogbomoso.

During the plenary session presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, lawmakers highlighted the importance of fairness and representation in the state’s traditional institution. They emphasized that the rotational system would promote inclusivity and foster unity across Oyo’s major cultural zones.

The decision has been widely welcomed as a demonstration of the Assembly’s responsiveness to public opinion. Community leaders and observers have lauded the move as a step forward in strengthening democratic values within traditional leadership structures.

With the passage of the amendment, the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs is expected to reflect a more balanced and equitable leadership structure going forward.