From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Ebedi Frontliners, Iseyin (EFI), has called on Oyo State government to make the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri, a co-chairman in the Oyo State Council of Obas. The lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for “the democratisation of the state Chieftaincy Laws. The legislative exercise will give more roles to the traditional rulers.”
EFI Public Relations Officer (PRO), Alhaji Segun Fasasi, the bill listed the Alaafin of Oyo as Chairman while Olubadan and Soun of Ogbomoso are Co-Chairmen: “Alaafin is representing the interests of four local governments in Oyo town, Soun of Ogbomoso represents the interests of five local governments while Olubadan represents the interests of 11 local governments, leaving Oke-Ogun area with 10 local governments with no co-chairmanship candidate.
“We have followed the process of the amendment of The Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, Cap.37, Laws of Oyo State and have realised that the proposed amendment that has reached a second reading in the floors of Oyo State House of Assembly is seeking to democratise the chieftaincy laws and give more impetus to the developmental efforts of traditional rulers.
“We thus want to call the attention of Governor Makinde, the Speaker, ‘Debo Ogundoyin and other stakeholders involved in this historic journey, to think about the 10 local governments in Oke-Ogun, with over 35 beaded crowns, to be considered for representation in the co-chairmanship role, while Aseyin of Iseyin will be considered as the third co-chairman due to his long historical experience.”
The law initially placed the Alaafin as the permanent chairman, giving him the authority to convene and preside over meetings, while directing council affairs before it was amended.