The heads (Mogajis) of the ruling houses of Soun of Ogbomoso have strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law. The amendment, currently under review by the Oyo State House of Assembly, aims to establish the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the traditional council. This proposal has stirred controversy, especially among traditional leaders in Ibadan and Ogbomoso.
Supporters of the amendment, particularly in Oyo Town, argue that the Alaafin’s position as chairman of the council should be permanent due to the historical significance of the Alaafin throne. However, in Ibadan and Ogbomoso, this idea is facing resistance. Stakeholders in these regions believe the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso should continue to take turns in leading the council whenever the Alaafin is unavailable.
In a joint statement, five respected princes representing the ruling houses of Ogbomoso—Prince Olawuyi Itabiyi (Aburumaku), Prince Sikiru Oyeyiola (Gbagun), Prince Amos Olawole Olaoye (Laoye), Prince Samuel Oyebamiji Oyedeji (Bolanta), and Prince Stephen Ilufoye Layode (Odunaro)—condemned the amendment. They described the proposed change as “an affront to history and tradition.”
They argued that making the Alaafin the permanent chairman of the Council goes against the historical evolution of Yoruba leadership after the fall of the old Oyo Empire in 1837. According to them, the old Oyo’s dominance ended after it was destroyed during the Fulani invasion, marking a significant shift in the political structure of the Yoruba people.
“History is clear: the Oyo supremacy ended with the destruction of Oyo-Ile by the Fulani invasion. What followed was a new historical order that saw other Yoruba towns like Ogbomoso and Ibadan rise to prominence. Any attempt to sidestep that reality in favour of sentiment is unjust,” the statement said.
The Mogajis further explained that the current Oyo Kingdom, established in 1875 by Prince Atiba, is not the same as the ancient Oyo Empire once ruled by Alaafin Oranmiyan. They claimed the land where modern Oyo town stands was originally part of Ogbomoso, specifically land of the Oja lineage. They recalled that during times of conflict and migration, towns like Ogbomoso and Ibadan provided refuge for displaced Oyo people.
They also highlighted Ogbomoso’s strategic role in resisting the Fulani advancement into the Yoruba heartland. Positioned between Ilorin and Oyo, Ogbomoso served as a buffer that not only protected its own people but also helped safeguard the emerging Oyo settlement.
“The powers and glory of the old Oyo Empire are buried in Katunga. What exists today is a new kingdom, and hierarchy must reflect this post-1837 history,” they stated.
The group cited a key Supreme Court decision from 1984, which awarded a disputed land area to Ogbomoso over Oyo, as evidence of Ogbomoso’s continued relevance both historically and territorially.
They also pointed out that during the reign of the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the Soun of Ogbomoso once served as chairman of the council. This historical precedent, they argue, reinforces the fairness and legitimacy of a rotational leadership system.
“We reject any move to make the Alaafin the permanent chairman. Rotational leadership reflects fairness and historical accuracy. Sentiment cannot override historical truth. We have no apology for defending the dignity and legacy of Ogbomoso,” the Mogajis firmly stated.
In conclusion, they called on the Oyo State House of Assembly to respect the unique historical backgrounds of all Yoruba towns. They urged lawmakers to maintain the rotational chairmanship arrangement to avoid division and ensure continued peace and unity among traditional rulers across the state.