Makinde clarifies status of Oyo Obas’ Council

…orders official vehicles for Olubadan

By Adejayan Gbenga

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of traditional rulers in the state.

The governor made the statement on Saturday at the grand finale of the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan.

Makinde noted that the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs had been inactive before his assumption of office in 2019, and assured that traditional rulers would begin to receive their entitlements, including official vehicles, once the council is formally reconstituted.

He disclosed that he had directed all eleven local government councils in Ibadanland to provide a befitting fleet of vehicles for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, before the end of May.

“People have been asking me what is happening to the Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers, but I said there was no Council before I came in. The Speaker is here—they could not put it together. They have also been asking why we have not given a vehicle befitting of the Olubadan’s status,” he said.

“I have sent a message to the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland, and I said they must provide a befitting fleet of vehicles for the Olubadan before the end of this month,” he added.

The governor emphasized that once the Council of Obas and Chiefs is established, the state government will provide all entitlements due to the traditional rulers.

Makinde’s remarks came amid increasing public interest in the recognition and empowerment of the state’s traditional institutions.