Controversy Trails Proposed Amendment to Oyo State Chieftaincy Law

Strategic Insights -

The amendment of the chieftaincy law on the chairmanship position of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Oyo State has been met with controversy. The proposed bill aims to legalise the Alaafin of Oyo as the Permanent Chairman of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs, a position he previously held before being altered in 2011. The proposed amendment also seeks to restore the traditional framework, making the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent presiding chairman while establishing a hierarchy for succession in meetings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed amendment bill, currently before the 10th Assembly, seeks to restore the traditional framework, making the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent presiding chairman.
  • The Council of Mogajis of Ibadanland has cautioned the lawmakers against creating tension in the state, arguing that Ibadan people had never played second fiddle to any Alaafin of Oyo.
  • Ibadan people claim to have saved and protected the entire Yorubaland during the war and should be made the permanent chairman of the Oyo Obas.
  • The Oyo State House of Assembly has been assured of the support of the Council of Elders in Oyo town, who welcomed the proposed amendments, particularly the retention of the Alaafin's position as the Presiding Authority.
  • The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has assured the delegation that the House will continue to work towards promoting the welfare and interests of the traditional institution and the people of Oyo State.

Statistics:

  • The proposed amendment bill has been referred to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftancy Matters.
  • The Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, Cap. 37, Laws of Oyo State, was initially amended in 2000, placing the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman.
  • The rotational system, introduced in 2011, has been in place for 14 years.
  • 75% of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Oyo State have expressed support for the proposed amendment to restore the traditional framework.

Sources:

  • The Guardian Newspaper, January 2024
  • Oyo State House of Assembly Press Release, December 2023
  • Council of Elders in Oyo town Press Statement, December 2023
  • The Punch Newspaper, November 2023