Ogbomoso, Nigeria —The Mogajis of the Soun Ruling Houses in Ogbomoso have voiced strong opposition to a proposed amendment to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, which seeks to designate the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the Council.
In a joint statement released today, Princes Olawuyi Itabiyi (Aburumaku), Sikiru Oyeyiola (Gbagun), Amos Olawole Olaoye (Laoye), Samuel Oyebamiji Oyedeji (Bolanta), and Stephen Ilufoye Layode (Odunaro) denounced the move as “an affront to history and tradition.”
The amendment bill, currently before the Oyo State House of Assembly, has stirred significant controversy, particularly among traditional leaders from Ibadan and Ogbomoso. The Mogajis insist that the proposed change disregards the historical evolution of Yoruba political power following the collapse of the old Oyo Empire in 1837.
“The dominance of the Alaafin ended with the destruction of Oyo-Ile,” the statement read. “Subsequent to that, other Yoruba cities such as Ogbomoso and Ibadan rose to prominence, offering refuge and resisting further invasions, especially during the Fulani incursions.”
The ruling houses stressed that the current Oyo town, established in 1875 by Prince Atiba, is distinct from the ancient Oyo Empire ruled by Alaafin Oranmiyan. They also cited historical claims that the land occupied by modern-day Oyo originally belonged to the Oja family in Ogbomoso.
Highlighting past legal victories, including a Supreme Court judgment in 1984 over a land dispute with Oyo, the Mogajis reiterated Ogbomoso’s strategic role in Yoruba history and its contribution to the survival of the Oyo people during their migration.
They recalled that the Soun of Ogbomoso had previously chaired the Council during the reign of the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, arguing that rotational leadership is a fair and historically accurate system.
“We categorically reject any attempt to institutionalize Alaafin’s leadership permanently,” the statement continued. “Such a decision negates equity and disrespects the sacrifices and legacy of other Yoruba communities.”
The Mogajis urged the Oyo State House of Assembly to uphold rotational leadership in the Council of Obas, warning that any deviation from this tradition could threaten unity among Yoruba traditional rulers.
By Makinde oyinkansola| May 19, 2025
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