15 Years ‘Inactivity’ Ends As Gov Makinde Inaugurates Oyo Council Of Obas…Olubadan Is The New Chairman

 Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs that had for 15 years now been on ‘inactive mode’ was on Thursday ‘activated’ by the governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the governor brought the council of chiefs and obas back to life by inaugurating it at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan on Thursday.

The chairmanship’ of the Council of Obas and Chiefs will be done in rotation on the basis of 2-year term and the three monarchs who will enjoy such a privilege are the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosoland..

 The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was sworn in as chairman of the Council of Obas on Thursday.

Governor Makinde noted that the rotational chairmanship was done to foster unity, mutual respect and cooperation among the traditional institutions while allowing each of the royal fathers to contribute meaningfully to governance and development in the state.

The governor, who disclosed that the three monarchs had agreed that Olubadan will be the first to serve as chairman, also recalled that the council last convened in 2011.

He described the prolonged inactivity as unhealthy for a pace-setting state like Oyo cognizant of the critical role that traditional rulers play in governance, peace-building and grassroots intelligence.

While his administration had the opportunity to exploit divisions among traditional institutions, the governor noted that he however deliberately chose consensus and consultation, stressing that many of the achievements recorded by his administration are as a result of regular engagements and feedback from royal fathers across the state.

In his acceptance speech, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, said the inauguration signified the beginning of responsibility rather than an accomplishment, urging residents to place confidence in the council of Chiefs’ mandate.

The council of Chiefs and Obas, he noted, was not established to promote rivalry or personal ambitions among traditional rulers adding that public trust would deepen after its first sitting, as people would realise that members of the Council of Obas in the state are united in purpose and not in competition.

Members of the Council of Obas and Chiefs, he added, has roles that include promotion of peace and safety within their domains, while also contributing to the overall progress and stability of Oyo State.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, described traditional rulers as enduring custodians of culture, peace and moral authority, whose contributions over the years have complemented government efforts in promoting unity and grassroots development while expressing optimism that the newly inaugurated council would serve as a platform for harmony, constructive engagement and a strong partner in advancing peace, security and socio-economic development across Oyo State.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade was however conspicuous by his absence and no reason has been given for this-Team@orientactualmags.com   Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you