Traditional authority and modern governance collide as the Eselu of Iselu urges restraint amid controversy over the rotational Oyo Council of Obas leadership
The recent reconstitution of the Rotational Oyo Council of Obas has sparked intense discussion within traditional and political circles in southwestern Nigeria, following public disagreements between the Alaafin of Oyo and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Weighing into the controversy, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has called for caution, restraint, and respect for constituted authority.
Oba Akinyemi, in a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, urged the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, to refrain from escalating the matter through public statements and media engagements.
According to the Ogun monarch, disagreements involving traditional institutions and elected authorities should be managed with diplomacy rather than public confrontation.
The controversy arose after Governor Makinde inaugurated the newly restructured Council of Obas, introducing a rotational chairmanship model that produced the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adewolu Rashidi Ladoja, as the council’s pioneer chairman for a two-year tenure.
The move marked a significant departure from past arrangements and placed the Rotational Oyo Council of Obas at the center of public discourse.
Governor Makinde maintained that extensive consultations were held prior to the inauguration.
He stated that discussions involved the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, all of whom reportedly agreed to the rotational framework.
However, the Alaafin was absent at the inauguration ceremony, and a later statement from his palace disputed the governor’s claim of consultation.
Reacting to this development, Oba Akinyemi described the palace’s rebuttal as troubling, arguing that it indirectly questioned the integrity of the state governor.
He stressed that such a public contradiction undermines the dignity of both the traditional institution and the office of the governor, especially in a democratic setting.
Drawing from his more than two decades of experience as a traditional ruler, the Eselu advised that the Alaafin should immediately withdraw the statement attributed to his palace.
He warned that continued public disagreement could be interpreted as insubordination, a situation that may attract serious political and administrative consequences under Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
Oba Akinyemi further explained that rotational leadership within councils of traditional rulers is not unique to Oyo State.
He noted that similar systems exist in several other states, where equity, inclusion, and balance are prioritized over historical dominance.
In his view, the Rotational Oyo Council of Obas represents an adaptation of traditional institutions to modern governance realities rather than an attack on any revered stool.
Addressing historical sensitivities, the Eselu acknowledged the prominence of the Oyo Empire in Yoruba history but cautioned against attempting to project ancient political authority into contemporary state administration.
He emphasized that Nigeria no longer operates a monarchical system, and traditional rulers now function within the boundaries defined by constitutional democracy.
While affirming that the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife remain symbolic leaders of the Yoruba people, Oba Akinyemi urged all stakeholders to protect the sanctity of their stools through wisdom and restraint.
He warned that confrontational politics could weaken the moral authority of traditional institutions, especially in an era when public scrutiny is intense.
The Ogun monarch also highlighted the legal reality that governors, acting with their executive councils, retain powers over traditional institutions, including disciplinary measures where necessary.
According to him, these powers, though rarely exercised, remain enforceable and should not be ignored by any monarch, regardless of status.
In his closing remarks, Oba Akinyemi appealed directly to the Alaafin, advising him to avoid being influenced by advisers who may benefit from conflict rather than peace.
He expressed personal goodwill toward the monarch, noting that his decision to return from Canada to accept the throne demonstrated commitment and sacrifice.
“Leadership requires patience and discernment,” the Eselu stated, urging the Alaafin to focus on unity and legacy rather than controversy.
He maintained that preserving harmony between traditional rulers and elected officials is essential for stability, especially as the Rotational Oyo Council of Obas continues to take shape.
Ireport247news
