Man reacts as Alaafin rejects rotational chairmanship after Olubadan becomes Oyo Obas’ Council Chairman

An elderly Nigerian man has sparked discussions online following the recent controversy over the leadership of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, after the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, reportedly rejected the idea of a rotational chairmanship.

Olubadan Takes Over as Oyo Obas’ Council Chairman

On Thursday, Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The chairmanship was reported to be on a rotational basis among three prominent traditional rulers in the state.

Alaafin Rejects Rotational Chairmanship

However, the Alaafin’s Palace later clarified that the monarch neither endorsed the rotational arrangement nor participated in any consultation regarding the decision.

Man Recalls Historical Context

Reacting to the development, the elderly man identified as Ahmeed Sarumi took to Facebook to share insights on the origin of the rotational system.

According to him, in the old Oyo State, the Ooni of Ife served as permanent chairman of the council.

He claimed that it was his Alaafin Adeyemi who influenced the then Olubadan to push for rotation.

Sarumi wrote:

“Life is funny sha. The gospel truth is that in the old Oyo state, Ooni of Ife was the permanent chairman. It was Alaafin Adeyemi who instigated the then Olubadan to stage a protest for rotational chairmanship. I remember reading it in TELL magazine of old.

“Ooni Sijuade boycotted the Council until Osun was created. After Osun was carved out, Alaafin Adeyemi suddenly remembered he should be permanent chairman of Oyo but he had shot himself in the foot with ote and abosi against Ooniirisa.

“That’s the origin of the rotation before u make comments. NONE of the old state monarchs doubted Ooniirisa permanent chairman until the jiggerypokery of ‘iku baba yeye. Now, how can any Alaafin demand for what his predecessor fought against? Always fear Karma ooo!

“Alaafin Adeyemi orchestrated for rotational during the old oyo state when Ooni Sijuade was permanent chairman. Alaafin Owoade is now saying he doesn’t want rotational. Agreement is Agreement. lo o bee…Oyo Alaafin lo faa tofi ribe..”

See below;