The Mogajis of the Soun Ruling Houses in Ogbomoso have opposed the proposed amendment to make the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas. They described the bill as a departure from historical practice and a challenge to traditional institutions in the state.

Speaking after a visit to the Oyo State House of Assembly on Monday, the Mogajis emphasised that the chairmanship of the council has traditionally been rotational and should remain so to ensure fairness.

“Mogajis from Ogbomoso in their large numbers, together with Ibadan Mogajis, were this morning at the Oyo State House of Assembly,” the statement read.

They stressed the respect they had for the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, pointing to his long reign and respectful relationship with the people of Ibadan.

“We respected and honoured Oba Adeyemi’s age, as well as his brain, having spent over 50 years on the throne before his demise. Yet, he never disrespected Ibadan people, so this current Alaafin should tread softly,” they said.

The bill under consideration proposes making the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman of the council, with the Olubadan of Ibadan as deputy chairman, and the Soun of Ogbomoso as vice chairman. If passed, the rotational leadership model would be replaced by a fixed hierarchy, where the Alaafin presides over all meetings, the Olubadan chairs in his absence, and the Soun presides if both are absent.

This proposal follows earlier objections from Ibadan leaders, including Obas, Mogajis, Baales, and community groups, who have consistently advocated for a rotational chairmanship among the three leading traditional rulers.

The controversy over leadership in the council has affected its activities under previous rulers.

The bill passed its second reading on May 15 and is currently before the House Committee on Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours. It will return to the floor for a third reading after stakeholder input.

The President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, reiterated their opposition to permanent chairmanship, stating it contradicts historical practice and could undermine peace in the state.

They urged the House of Assembly to avoid creating tension by disregarding tradition, emphasising the importance of maintaining the rotational leadership system.

The statement noted, “The Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, last Saturday at the grand finale of 2025 Ibadan week received an award of ‘Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan,’ and all members of the House were also present, including the Deputy Speaker. This speaks volumes.”