Alaafin’s Palace Denies Consultation on Rotational Chairmanship of Oyo Obas Council

The Alaafin of Oyo’s Palace has dismissed claims that His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, was consulted by Governor Seyi Makinde on the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

In a press release dated January 15, 2026, the Palace reacted to a statement credited to the governor in which he reportedly said he had consulted three foremost traditional rulers in the state: the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, on the issue of rotational leadership of the council.

According to the statement, there was “no time” that the Alaafin held any meeting with Governor Makinde or with the other traditional rulers mentioned on the matter.

The Palace further clarified that the Alaafin did not at any point inform the governor, nor make any categorical statement, endorsing a rotational chairmanship arrangement among the three monarchs.

The Palace stressed that the position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has already been clearly articulated in a memorandum submitted to Governor Makinde by the Oyo Council of Elders.

The statement was signed by Mr. Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, who reiterated the monarch’s stance as the Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the superior head of Yorubaland.

The development adds a new dimension to ongoing discussions surrounding leadership structure and protocol within the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

OYO NEWS