Absence of the two monarchs draws attention amid controversy over rotational chairmanship of Oyo Council of Obas

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, were absent on Tuesday as Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated activities marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State.

The event, held at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, attracted family members of former governors, traditional and religious leaders, top government officials, and political stakeholders.

Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western Region of Nigeria, with Ibadan as its administrative capital.

The state government has lined up a week-long programme for the golden jubilee celebrations, which commenced on January 21, 2026. Activities include religious services, cultural exhibitions, an awards and dinner night, and a public lecture titled “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future.”

While the Olubadan of Ibadan and Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was present alongside other traditional rulers, the absence of the Alaafin and the Soun drew attention.

The development comes amid recent controversy following Governor Makinde’s decision to make the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas rotational among the Alaafin, the Soun, and the Olubadan. Previously, the position was permanently held by the Alaafin.

At Oba Ladoja’s recent inauguration as chairman, Makinde said the new arrangement had the consent of all three monarchs. However, the Alaafin later issued a rebuttal, stating that he was not part of any meeting where such an agreement was reached.

Efforts to obtain reactions from the spokesmen of the Alaafin and the Soun, Bode Durojaye and Peter Olaleye respectively, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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