Oke-Ogun Forum Demands Rotational Leadership in Oyo Council of Obas
The Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum (ODCF) has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the leadership structure of the newly reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. The forum specifically advocates for a rotational co-chairmanship among all five geo-political zones in the state, arguing against the marginalization of the Oke-Ogun region.
In a letter addressed to Governor Makinde, signed by its President, Ahmed Raji (SAN); Secretary-General, Adebimpe Aderounmu; and Publicity Secretary, Prince Remi Adegbola, the ODCF commended the administration’s initiative in reviving the Council, which had been dormant for over a decade. “We commend your courage to reconstitute the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. It is a bold move not to be taken for granted,” the letter stated.
However, the ODCF expressed concern that the ongoing amendment process for the Chiefs Law might overlook the Oke-Ogun region. “The current amendment of the Chiefs Law deserves an all-inclusive approach in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice, which your administration stands for,” the group emphasized.
The forum lamented the historical disregard for memoranda and petitions from Oke-Ogun advocating for the inclusion of deserving traditional rulers. They also challenged the long-standing practice of ranking Obas based on income, describing it as a “colonial administrative relic” not intended as a hierarchical structure. “The categorisation of Obas by earnings was never intended as a hierarchy. It was merely an instrument based on revenue generated in a domain,” the letter explained, advocating for a shift towards inclusivity based on effectiveness and modern governance.
To address these concerns, the ODCF proposed a rotational co-chairmanship model for the Council, ensuring representation from each of the five geo-political zones: Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, and Oke-Ogun. “As the permanent chairmanship of the council is being liberalized, it will only be fair that each zone has a co-chairman. It is unjust for Oke-Ogun to be excluded,” the forum argued.
The ODCF further highlighted inconsistencies in zonal representation within the Council, noting that Oke-Ogun remains underrepresented despite some zones having more representatives than their respective local governments. They called for an increase in the number of permanent representatives from their region, recalling historical instances as far back as 1976 where prominent Oke-Ogun monarchs, such as the Alado of Ado-Awaye and Elero of Ilero, were nominated for inclusion but remained excluded. “This omission must be corrected in the interest of justice,” the Forum stated.
The letter concluded with a reaffirmation of the Oke-Ogun people’s support for Governor Makinde’s developmental agenda, urging the Governor and the Oyo State House of Assembly to give their appeal urgent and favorable consideration.
