Ibadan indigenes hail lawmakers, makinde over Obas Council law

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has declared that the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas among the three major traditional rulers in the state is a step in the right direction.

CCII President-General, Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, stated this during a press conference on Wednesday at Ibadan House, located at Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

Recall that the Oyo State House of Assembly had considered an amendment to the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law aimed at permanently installing the Alaafin as the head of traditional rulers in the state—a move that was met with heavy criticism.

Following the backlash, the House passed a bill maintaining the status quo, stipulating that the chairmanship of the council be rotated among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomoso.

Reacting to the reversal, Ajewole noted that the new bill—now passed into law—was enacted in the interest of peace, justice, and fairness. He commended the State House of Assembly for taking the step.

He said the Assembly acted in line with current realities: “The bill, which has now been passed into law, reflects justice, equity, and fairness. The Oyo State House of Assembly did the right thing.

“We want to thank the House of Assembly and the lawmakers for passing the bill into law.

“Peace amidst inequality is chaos postponed, but peace founded on tranquility is peace everlasting. We equally thank Governor Seyi Makinde for allowing the State House of Assembly to do its job.”