There are indications that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, may approach the court to challenge the emergence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated Ladoja as chairman of the council at the House of Chiefs Secretariat in Ibadan, following the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the House of Assembly.
However, the Alaafin was conspicuously absent from the ceremony, a development that has fueled speculation of an impending legal battle.
Speaking at the event, Makinde explained that the chairmanship of the council would be rotational among the Olubadan, the Alaafin and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each monarch serving a two-year term.
Sources close to the Alaafin’s palace told newsmen that Oba Owoade deliberately stayed away from the inauguration and may contest the decision in court.
One of the sources said the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had previously gone to court to assert his position as permanent chairman of the council, adding that his stance was never successfully challenged.
Another palace insider explained that attending the inauguration would have been “shameful” for the current Alaafin, noting that legal action remained a strong possibility unless there was an intervention.
A separate source alleged that lingering tensions dating back to the reign of the late Alaafin, particularly over the impeachment of Ladoja during his time as governor, may have contributed to the current disagreement.
The source added that with Oba Lamidi Adeyemi now deceased, Ladoja’s emergence as Olubadan had altered the balance of influence within the traditional institution.
It was further alleged that political interests may be influencing the unfolding dispute, raising the prospect of a legal showdown over the leadership of the council.