An elderly Nigerian man has stirred widespread debate and renewed historical conversations online following the ongoing controversy surrounding the leadership structure of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. The discussion intensified after reports emerged that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, rejected the recently implemented rotational chairmanship arrangement for the council.
Olubadan Takes Over as Oyo Obas’ Council Chairman
The controversy followed a formal event held on Thursday, where Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, officially inaugurated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as the new chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The appointment was said to be in line with an existing rotational arrangement, which allows the chairmanship position to rotate among three major traditional rulers in the state, namely the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso.
According to reports, the rotational system was designed to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and mutual respect among the foremost monarchs in Oyo State.
Alaafin Rejects Rotational Chairmanship
However, shortly after the inauguration, the Alaafin’s Palace issued a clarification distancing the monarch from the rotational chairmanship model.
The palace stated that the Alaafin of Oyo neither consented to the rotational arrangement nor participated in any meeting or consultation where such a decision was discussed or approved.
This rejection quickly became a major talking point, with cultural enthusiasts, historians, and members of the public debating whether the rotational system aligns with historical tradition or undermines the status of certain royal stools.
Man Recalls Historical Context
Reacting to the unfolding situation, an elderly man identified as Ahmeed Sarumi took to Facebook to share what he described as the historical origin of the rotational chairmanship system.
Sarumi explained that during the era of the old Oyo State, the structure of the traditional council was significantly different from what is obtainable today.
According to him, the Ooni of Ife served as the permanent chairman of the council at the time, and there was little to no opposition to that arrangement from other monarchs.
He further claimed that it was during the reign of Alaafin Adeyemi that moves were made to challenge the permanent chairmanship, allegedly influencing the then Olubadan to push for a rotational system.
Sarumi wrote:
“Life is funny sha. The gospel truth is that in the old Oyo state, Ooni of Ife was the permanent chairman. It was Alaafin Adeyemi who instigated the then Olubadan to stage a protest for rotational chairmanship. I remember reading it in TELL magazine of old.
“Ooni Sijuade boycotted the Council until Osun was created. After Osun was carved out, Alaafin Adeyemi suddenly remembered he should be permanent chairman of Oyo but he had shot himself in the foot with ote and abosi against Ooniirisa.
“That’s the origin of the rotation before u make comments. NONE of the old state monarchs doubted Ooniirisa permanent chairman until the jiggerypokery of ‘iku baba yeye’. Now, how can any Alaafin demand for what his predecessor fought against? Always fear Karma ooo!
“Alaafin Adeyemi orchestrated for rotational during the old oyo state when Ooni Sijuade was permanent chairman. Alaafin Owoade is now saying he doesn’t want rotational. Agreement is Agreement. lo o bee…Oyo Alaafin lo faa tofi ribe..”
See below;
