It is no longer news that five members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have jointly sponsored a controversial and dishonourable bill titled:
OYO STATE COUNCIL OF OBAS AND CHIEFS (FURTHER AMENDMENT, 2025),
a bill that seeks to undermine the historical and spiritual authority of the Alaafin of Oyo by removing him as the Permanent Chairman of the Council of Obas in Oyo State.
The sponsors of this anti-heritage bill are:
• Mr. Ogundoyin from Eruwa
• Mr. Onaolapo from Ogbomoso South
• Mr. Olajide from Lagelu
• Mr. Adeola from Iseyin/Itesiwaju
• Mr. Adebayo from Ibadan North Constituency II
We must boldly say that this bill is a betrayal of tradition, a disgraceful disregard for our ancestral values, and an insult to the collective identity of the Yoruba people. These “honourables” either out of ignorance, political manipulation, or youthful exuberance have chosen to dance on the graves of the warriors, kings, and sages who made the Alaafin stool what it is today.
If i may ask, do these young legislators truly understand the historical depth and cultural relevance of the Alaafin’s position? Do they know that the Oyo Empire once extended beyond the borders of modern Nigeria, and that the Alaafin was recognized even by colonial powers as the head of the Yoruba nation? Do they understand that the current structure of traditional councils in Oyo State was informed by centuries of organized leadership, not recent political appointments?
It is painfully obvious that age and historical disconnect may have deprived these lawmakers of proper understanding. But ignorance should never be an excuse for legislative recklessness. Rather than protect our traditions, they have attempted to erase them with the stroke of a pen. This is unacceptable.
permanent chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas rightfully belongs to the Alaafin not because of favoritism, but because of historical precedence, cultural seniority, and spiritual mandate. This is not a title to be rotated like political offices; it is a sacred role backed by centuries of Yoruba civilisation.
To the general public, especially the proud sons and daughters of Oyo State at home and abroad, take note of these names and constituencies. When next they come knocking for your votes, remember that they once attempted to desecrate the legacy of your ancestors. Do not be silent. Tradition dies when the people become indifferent.
To the five sponsors of this bill, I urge you to retrace your steps. There is still time to withdraw this divisive proposal and apologise to the people whose history you have sought to rewrite. Posterity will not forgive those who trade heritage for political favour.
Let us remember, this is not about the individual occupying the throne, but the institution of the Alaafin. Kings come and go, but institutions must endure. The Alaafin remains our only Chairman and that shall not change.
Dolapo Awotunde
Writes from the Ancient City of Oyo