“It Was Never Rotational”- Man Reacts After Alaafin Rejects Rotational Chairmanship

• An elderly Nigerian man has sparked reactions on social media regarding the leadership of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
• The controversy arose after reports indicated that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, rejected a proposed rotational chairmanship arrangement.
• Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde officially appointed Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as the new chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs on Thursday.

An elderly Nigerian man has generated reactions on social media amid the ongoing debate surrounding the leadership of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, following reports that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, declined a proposed rotational chairmanship arrangement.

On Thursday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde officially installed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as the chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Reports had indicated that the position of chairman was designed to rotate among three leading traditional rulers in the state. However, the Alaafin’s Palace later issued a statement distancing the monarch from the arrangement, stressing that he neither agreed to the rotation nor was consulted before the decision was made.

Weighing in on the controversy, an elderly man identified as Ahmeed Sarumi shared his perspective on Facebook, offering historical context to the leadership structure of the council.

Sarumi stated that during the era of the old Oyo State, the Ooni of Ife held the position of permanent chairman of the council. He further alleged that the late Alaafin Adeyemi played a key role in encouraging the then Olubadan to advocate for the introduction of a rotational system.

Sarumi wrote:

“Life is funny sha. The gospel truth is that in the old Oyo state, Ooni of Ife was the permanent chairman. It was Alaafin Adeyemi who instigated the then Olubadan to stage a protest for rotational chairmanship. I remember reading it in TELL magazine of old.

“Ooni Sijuade boycotted the Council until Osun was created. After Osun was carved out, Alaafin Adeyemi suddenly remembered he should be permanent chairman of Oyo but he had shot himself in the foot with ote and abosi against Ooniirisa.

“That’s the origin of the rotation before u make comments. NONE of the old state monarchs doubted Ooniirisa permanent chairman until the jiggerypokery of ‘iku baba yeye. Now, how can any Alaafin demand for what his predecessor fought against? Always fear Karma ooo!

“Alaafin Adeyemi orchestrated for rotational during the old oyo state when Ooni Sijuade was permanent chairman. Alaafin Owoade is now saying he doesn’t want rotational. Agreement is Agreement. lo o bee…Oyo Alaafin lo faa tofi ribe..”

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