Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, with the chairmanship set to rotate among the state’s three foremost traditional rulers.

The inauguration, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, saw the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa I), emerge as the inaugural chairman of the council for a two-year term.

Notably absent from the event was the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the leading monarchs designated under the new rotational arrangement.

The inauguration followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly, a legislation aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and promoting equity within the state’s traditional governance structure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Makinde explained that the rotational chairmanship was introduced to foster fairness, unity, and effective leadership among the traditional rulers.

“I called the monarchs that we proposed in the law that the chairmanship of the Council of Obas will rotate every two years,” Makinde said. “This is what we are known for. If we fail to resolve issues and do what is right and proper for our people, then we have failed.”

The governor added that consultations were held with the three monarchs affected by the law.

“I consulted my three fathers—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—and we agreed that the rotation should commence with Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan,” he stated.

Makinde subsequently declared the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs formally inaugurated.

Under the amended law, the chairmanship of the council will rotate every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in September 2025, following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.