The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a public statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, in which he claimed to have consulted with the three foremost traditional rulers in Oyo State — the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso — concerning the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The Palace wishes to state categorically and unequivocally that no such consultation ever took place. At no time did His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engineer) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, hold any meeting with the Governor or with any of the other traditional rulers mentioned on this matter.
Furthermore, the Alaafin did not at any time communicate, directly or indirectly, any endorsement of a rotational chairmanship arrangement for the State Council of Obas and Chiefs to the Governor or to any other party.
For the avoidance of doubt, the position of His Imperial Majesty, as well as that of the entire Oyo community, on the broader issue of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs has already been clearly articulated.
This position was formally conveyed to His Excellency through a memorandum submitted by the Oyo Council of Elders.
The Palace considers it necessary to place these facts on record in the interest of truth, clarity, and public enlightenment.
Signed
Bode Durojaiye
Director of Media and Publicity
to the Alaafin of Oyo,
Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and
Superior Head of Yorubaland
