Alaafin’s Palace Denies Makinde’s Claim on Consultation Over Oyo Obas’ Council Chairmanship
By starnigerianews.com
The Alaafin of Oyo’s Palace has firmly denied claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he consulted the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso on the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Governor Makinde, while inaugurating the council, stated that consultations were held with the three foremost traditional rulers in the state and that an agreement was reached for the rotation to commence with the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
However, in a statement issued by the Palace and signed by Durojaye, the Alaafin’s spokesperson, the Palace described the governor’s claim as inaccurate.
“The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to Governor Seyi Makinde that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state, the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun of Ogbomoso on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs,” the statement read.
The Palace categorically stated that no such meeting ever took place. According to the statement, “There was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, held any meeting with either the State Governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned.”
It further clarified that the Alaafin neither endorsed nor made any statement supporting a rotational chairmanship arrangement among the three monarchs.
“Also, the Alaafin did not tell the Governor or make a categorical statement on his endorsement of rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the state,” the statement added.
The Palace emphasized that the official position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the matter had already been formally communicated to the governor.
“The position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the general issue of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs has been clearly enunciated in a memo delivered to His Excellency by the Oyo Council of Elders,” the Palace concluded.
The development has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding the leadership structure and rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.