Oyo Obas’ Council: Alaafin’s palace denies claims of consultation with Makinde
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Alaafin of Oyo’s Palace has dismissed claims that Governor Seyi Makinde consulted the state’s foremost traditional rulers regarding the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
In a press release issued on Thursday and signed by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, the Palace stated that it was drawn to a statement attributed to the governor suggesting consultations had taken place with the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso on the matter.
The Palace categorically denied that any such meeting occurred between Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade and Governor Makinde, or with any of the other traditional rulers mentioned.
It further clarified that the Alaafin neither discussed nor endorsed the idea of a rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the state.
According to the statement, the position of the Alaafin and the Oyo community on issues concerning the State Council of Obas and Chiefs has already been clearly communicated to the governor through a memorandum submitted by the Oyo Council of Elders.
The Palace emphasised that any claims suggesting the Alaafin’s involvement or endorsement were inaccurate and misleading.
Durojaiye reiterated the Palace’s commitment to transparency and the protection of the integrity of the traditional institution.
The clarification comes amid ongoing public discussions regarding the leadership structure of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs following the appointment of Olubadan as the head.
