The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, is reportedly considering taking legal action over the appointment of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. This follows Governor Seyi Makinde’s inauguration of Ladoja as chairman, with the position set to rotate every two years among the Olubadan, Alaafin, and Soun of Ogbomosoland.
The controversy stems from the Alaafin’s absence at the inauguration, with sources citing “shame” as the reason. The palace has denied claims that the Alaafin was consulted or endorsed the rotational chairmanship arrangement, stating that no meeting took place between the Alaafin and Governor Makinde or other traditional rulers.
The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, passed by the state House of Assembly, introduced the rotational chairmanship. Governor Makinde claimed consultations were held with the three monarchs, but the Alaafin’s palace disputes this, saying their position was already communicated to the governor via a memo from the Oyo Council of Elders.
Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated Ladoja as the chairman of the council.
But Alaafin shunned the event held at the House of Chiefs Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital.
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.
Speaking during the event, Makinde said the chairmanship of the council will be rotational among the trio of Olubadan, Alaafin, and Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each leader serving a term of two years.
Meanwhile, credible sources close to the palace told Saturday PUNCH on Friday that Alaafin deliberately stayed away from the inauguration out of what they described as “shame,” and may likely challenge the outcome in court.
“There is a tendency that the Alaafin will go to court. The late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, also went to court. The late Alaafin was the permanent chairman of the Oyo State traditional council, and he stated this clearly in all his letters. Nobody challenged him,” one of the insiders said.
Explaining Oba Owoade’s absence from the inauguration, the insider added, “I know the steps the current Alaafin is likely to take. If he had attended the inauguration, it would have been shameful. It was better he didn’t go. He is likely to go to court, although that may change if there is an intervention.”
Another insider knowledgeable about the workings at the Alaafin’s palace, corroborated the claim, saying the monarch was bearing the burden of actions taken during the reign of his predecessor.
“During Baba Lamidi Adeyemi’s time, he was involved in Ladoja’s impeachment. Since then, Ladoja has been angry with Alaafin stool but couldn’t do anything then.
“Now that he has become the Olubadan and Baba has passed on, he has decided to take it out on the new Alaafin. But he didn’t realise that this Alaafin is not that soft,” he added.
The source further alleged that political interests were also at play.
Efforts to get the Director, Media, and Public Affairs to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko, proved abortive as he didn’t answer calls and had yet to respond to messages sent to his mobile phone as of the time of filing this report.
Similarly, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, declined to comment on the matter.
He said, “Capital no comment,” when contacted.