Empires have faded, governance has changed, Olugbon tells traditional rulers

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has urged traditional rulers in Oyo State to embrace unity and adapt to contemporary governance realities, as he threw his weight behind the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Oba Alao gave the assurance while hosting Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at his palace in Orile-Igbon, Surulere Local Government Area, where he emphasised that members of the council across the state’s five geopolitical zones would work harmoniously with the new leadership.

The monarch, who is the deputy chairman of the council, said the re-inaugurated body remains united despite public debates and differing opinions surrounding the chairmanship. According to him, traditional institutions must prioritise cohesion and cooperation with government in the overall interest of peace and development.

“We are all one in the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. We are united across Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa zones. People may say different things, but within the council, we are members of one family,” the Olugbon said.

He commended Governor Makinde for what he described as taking necessary and lawful steps to reposition the council, stressing that Oba Ladoja would enjoy the full backing of council members in the discharge of his duties as chairman.

Beyond the immediate leadership issue, Oba Alao called on traditional rulers to recognise changing global and political realities, noting that governance in Nigeria is no longer rooted in monarchy.

“The world is dynamic, not static. Empires that once dominated the world have given way to new global power structures. In Nigeria today, governance is not monarchical, and traditional rulers must understand this reality and cooperate with the government of the day,” he said.

He added that while government decisions may not always be perfect, deeper understanding, dialogue and collective resolve were required to promote good governance, economic development, security and peaceful coexistence in Oyo State.

Responding, Governor Makinde said his visit to Orile-Igbon was part of efforts to engage traditional institutions following recent security concerns in parts of the state, including Oloka community.

The governor assured residents of Surulere Local Government and the wider Ogbomoso Zone that his administration would ensure equitable distribution of development projects across all five local governments in the zone.

“This government belongs to the people, and it will not fail them. Development projects will spread across the zone, and all I ask for is cooperation,” Makinde said.

Other traditional rulers present at the palace included the Aresapa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Ajiboye; the Aranyin of Iranyin, Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke; the Olujado of Ijado, Oba Hammed Adegbile; and the Iba of Abogunde, Tajudeen Aminullahi.

Governor Makinde had on Thursday re-inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, appointing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as chairman for a two-year tenure. The council’s activities had been stalled for about 15 years due to prolonged litigation.