Olubadan emerges new chairman of Oyo State Traditional Council

By Oluseye Ojo

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa I), has emerged as the new chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council.

The development was announced at a well-attended meeting of state monarchs held at the Western House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Thursday.

The development, according to a statement issued by the media aide to the Olubadan, Mr Adeola Oloko, has finally put to rest the uncertainty surrounding the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The state governor, Seyi Makinde, who made this known during the meeting, stated that the rotational system would be based on a two-year tenure for the chairmanship of the council.

The governor noted that the council chairmanship, which would rotate among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Soun of Ogbomoso and the Alaafin of Oyo, would commence with the Olubadan’s two-year tenure.

Makinde revealed that the decision was taken after consultations with Their Imperial Majesties and emphasised the importance of unity and solidarity among the monarchs.

“After consultation with Their Imperial Majesties, it was decided that the rotational system with the Olubadan as the chairman should begin,” he said.

The Olubadan, surrounded by prominent monarchs including the Soun of Ogbomoso, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, the Aseyin of Iseyin and the Okere of Saki, expressed gratitude to the state governor for reconstituting the State Traditional Council and thanked his colleagues for their unity and solidarity.

Answering questions from journalists after the meeting, the Olubadan outlined the focus of the Oyo State Traditional Council to include the pursuit of peace, security, safety and progress in their various domains.