Ogbomoso chiefs oppose Alaafin as permanent Obas’ chair

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Mogajis of the Soun Ruling Houses in Ogbomoso have rejected a proposed amendment to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law that seeks to designate the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman.

In a joint statement on Monday, five prominent Mogajis—Prince Olawuyi Itabiyi (Aburumaku), Prince Sikiru Oyeyiola (Gbagun), Prince Amos Olawole Olaoye (Laoye), Prince Samuel Oyebamiji Oyedeji (Bolanta), and Prince Stephen Ilufoye Layode (Odunaro)—described the proposal as “an affront to history and tradition,” arguing that making the Alaafin a permanent chairman undermines the historical evolution of the Yoruba traditional structure, especially after the fall of the old Oyo Empire in 1837.

“History is clear: Oyo supremacy ended with the destruction of Oyo-Ile during the Fulani invasion. What followed was a new historical order that elevated towns like Ogbomoso and Ibadan,” they stated.

The Mogajis noted that the current Oyo Kingdom, founded in 1837 by Prince Atiba, is distinct from the ancient Oyo Empire once ruled by Alaafin Oranmiyan.

They also recalled how Ogbomoso and Ibadan provided refuge to displaced Oyo people, highlighting Ogbomoso’s key role in stopping the Fulani advance into core Yoruba territories.

“The powers and glory of the old Oyo Empire are buried in Katunga. What exists today is a new kingdom, and leadership hierarchy must reflect this post-1837 reality,” they said.

Citing past legal victories, including a 1984 Supreme Court ruling that awarded disputed land to Ogbomoso over Oyo, the Mogajis emphasized Ogbomoso’s historical significance.

They called for the preservation of the rotational leadership system, declaring: “We reject any move to make the Alaafin the permanent chairman. Rotational leadership reflects fairness and historical truth.”