The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has refuted claims that he was consulted or gave approval for the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, contrary to statements attributed to Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s Palace addressed reports that Makinde claimed to have consulted him, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso before inaugurating Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as chairman of the council.
“The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs,” the statement read.
The Palace categorically denied the claim, stressing that no consultation took place.
“There was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, held any meeting with either the State Governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned on this issue,” it stated.
It also clarified that the Alaafin did not endorse the proposed rotational arrangement.
“The Alaafin did not tell the Governor nor make any categorical statement endorsing rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the state,” the statement added.
The Palace emphasized that the Alaafin’s position, alongside that of the Oyo community, had already been formally communicated to Governor Makinde.
“The position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the issue of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs has been clearly enunciated in a memorandum delivered to His Excellency by the Oyo Council of Elders,” it concluded.
