Tension In Oyo! Ibadan Mogajis Challenge Alaafin’s Crown Over Obas’ Council

Tensions Rise in Oyo State as Ibadan Stakeholders Reject Move to Crown Alaafin as Permanent Obas’ Council Chair....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Tensions are mounting in Oyo State following strong resistance from the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), alongside Mogajis, Baales, traditional rulers, and other influential figures from Ibadanland.

On Wednesday, these stakeholders publicly opposed the Oyo State House of Assembly’s proposal to appoint the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The Ibadan leaders have cautioned the Assembly against igniting discord among Yoruba traditional institutions. They insist the chairmanship should continue on a rotational basis among respected monarchs, as has been the historical practice.

Their protest came during deliberations on the second reading of the Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025. This proposed law seeks to formalize the Alaafin’s role as the sole permanent chairman of the council — a shift from the rotational model that has fostered balance and inclusivity in recent years.

Although the original 2000 law did designate the Alaafin as permanent chairman with powers to convene meetings, subsequent amendments introduced a rotational arrangement. Now, the new bill has rekindled concerns among Ibadan stakeholders, who argue that the proposal undermines Ibadan’s historical contributions and its rightful place within the Yoruba leadership structure.

Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative (ICPI), jointly voiced their opposition. They asserted that Ibadan has never played second fiddle to Oyo and has long been a pillar of Yoruba unity and advancement.

“Ibadan has always led efforts toward Yoruba unity and development,” they stated. “Our historical sacrifices and leadership should be acknowledged, not sidelined. Without Ibadan, legendary figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo may never have emerged.”

The Ibadan leaders warned that pushing the bill forward could provoke serious backlash from the city’s traditional and civil leadership. They reminded lawmakers of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala’s endorsement of the rotational leadership model — a system upheld during the reign of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I.

Reaffirming their dedication to preserving both Ibadan’s heritage and Yoruba unity, the Mogajis urged the Assembly to rethink its stance before further escalating tensions across the state.