A fresh dispute may be unfolding within Oyo State’s traditional institution following indications that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, is considering legal action over the emergence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. The development follows the formal inauguration of Oba Ladoja by Governor Seyi Makinde at the House of Chiefs Secretariat in Ibadan.
Notably absent from the inauguration was the Alaafin of Oyo, a move that has fueled speculation and concern among observers of the state’s traditional affairs. At the ceremony, Governor Makinde explained that the chairmanship of the council would henceforth rotate among three foremost monarchs in the state—the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland. Under the new arrangement, each monarch is expected to serve a two-year term as chairman.
However, palace insiders told Punch that Oba Owoade’s decision to stay away from the event was deliberate and rooted in deep dissatisfaction with the arrangement. According to the sources, the Alaafin may approach the court to challenge the rotational chairmanship, a move they said would mirror the stance taken by his predecessor, the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. The late monarch had consistently maintained that the Alaafin was the permanent chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council, a position he defended openly during his lifetime without opposition.
One insider explained that attending the inauguration would have been humiliating for the Alaafin under the circumstances. “If he had gone there, it would have amounted to accepting what he believes is wrong. Staying away was the wiser option. Court action is likely, unless there is a meaningful intervention,” the source said. Another palace source added that the current Alaafin is dealing with the fallout of events that occurred during the reign of his predecessor.
The source further linked the present tension to longstanding political and traditional grievances, particularly Oba Ladoja’s impeachment during the reign of the late Alaafin Adeyemi. According to the insider, lingering resentment from that period may be influencing current developments. “Ladoja has carried this grievance for years. Now that he is Olubadan and the former Alaafin has passed on, he appears ready to assert himself. But he may have underestimated the resolve of the new Alaafin,” the source added.
As discussions continue behind the scenes, many observers are watching closely to see whether dialogue will prevail or whether the matter will eventually be settled in court, potentially redefining the balance of authority among Oyo State’s foremost traditional rulers.
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