In a passionate appeal to the Oyo State Government, an ethno-cultural group known as the Oyo Alaafin Society, Abuja, has called for a thorough review of the controversial Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law (CAP. 37) Amendment Bill, 2025, recently passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The group, while acknowledging some of the progressive intentions of the bill—particularly the elevation of certain traditional rulers—warned vehemently against provisions that seek to alter the historical structure of the Alaafin stool and the permanent leadership of the Council of Obas in Oyo State.
In a statement jointly signed by Engineer Segun Owolabi, Chairman of the Oyo Forum, and Ambassador Tunde Mustapha, Chairman of the Media/Publicity Committee, the group condemned what it described as an attempt to “politicise and desecrate a revered cultural institution.”
At the heart of the controversy is the proposal within the amendment to rotate the Chairmanship of the Council of Obas—a role traditionally held by the Alaafin of Oyo, one of the most respected monarchs in Yoruba history. The group argues that this clause, if signed into law, would not only undermine the historical significance of the Alaafin’s position but also threaten the unity of the Yoruba race.
“The Alaafin institution goes beyond cities, towns, and villages in Oyo State. It is a sacred heritage that touches the very soul of Yoruba civilisation,” the statement reads. “Subjecting such a revered stool to political expediency is not only unjust but a betrayal of our forebears.”
The Oyo Alaafin Society noted that while it supports the elevation of some Obas, as proposed in the bill, it strongly opposes any revisionist approach that distorts historical facts. According to the group, most of the traditional rulers being considered for elevation were initially installed and recommended for government recognition through the authority of the Alaafin institution.
The rotation clause, they argue, has already begun to spark division among traditional councils, towns, and villages in the state.
“The animosity and strife this amendment is planting across our communities is already evident. It is not far-fetched to foresee long-term crises, which may erode the peaceful coexistence that Oyo State is known for,” the group warned.
Appealing directly to Governor Seyi Makinde, the group urged the state’s political leadership to reconsider their position on the bill. They emphasized the need for modern laws to protect—not replace or distort—indigenous traditions.
“Your Excellency, without the Alaafin-led Oyo Empire of yesterday, there would be no Oyo State today. The actions we take today will define how history remembers us,” the statement declared. “We urge you to emulate democratic societies across the world that preserve their cultural institutions through legislation rather than dismantle them.”
The bill has stirred significant public debate across Oyo State and beyond. Cultural enthusiasts, traditionalists, and legal experts have raised concerns about the implications of rotating the chairmanship of the Council of Obas—fearing that it may create a vacuum of authority and alter the long-standing traditional hierarchy among Yoruba monarchs.
The Alaafin stool, long regarded as a symbol of Yoruba unity and heritage, is central to the identity of Oyo State. Analysts warn that diluting its traditional powers could fracture alliances among monarchs and weaken the collective influence of Yoruba traditional institutions.
Reacting to the development, cultural historian Dr. Akin Oyebode described the bill as “a potential misstep that could unravel centuries of carefully woven traditional structures.”
“Lawmakers must recognize that cultural heritage is not something you legislate away without consequence,” Oyebode noted in a public commentary. “The Alaafin institution is not just a throne—it is an emblem of collective memory and authority.”
Political commentators have also suggested that the timing of the bill, coming halfway into Governor Makinde’s second term, may fuel suspicion that it serves more political than administrative purposes. Some fear it may set a dangerous precedent where traditional institutions become pawns in political battles.
The Oyo Alaafin Society Abuja reiterated that it is not opposed to reform but insists that reforms must be rooted in cultural respect, historical context, and inclusive dialogue. They have called for a stakeholder forum involving traditional rulers, cultural historians, lawmakers, and civil society to deliberate further on the implications of the proposed amendment.
As the bill awaits Governor Makinde’s assent, all eyes are now on the Oyo State Executive to either preserve the sanctity of one of Yoruba land’s most hallowed institutions—or risk opening a chapter of cultural conflict that may take decades to repair.