The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has assured Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the full support of members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs for the newly appointed chairman, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Oba Alao gave the assurance on Friday while hosting the governor at his palace in Orile-Igbon, Surulere Local Government Area. The visit was attended by several traditional rulers from the local government who joined the Olugbon in welcoming the governor.
Expressing appreciation for the visit, the monarch said members of the council were united behind the state government’s decision and would support Oba Ladoja across all five traditional zones in the state – Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa.
Oba Alao, who serves as deputy chairman of the council, said the re-inauguration of the body marked a significant step forward after years of stagnation. He noted that despite differing opinions, traditional rulers in the state remained united.
“We are all one in the council. We are united across the five zones. People can say things, but we are members of one united family,” the monarch said.
Responding, Governor Makinde said his visit was partly to address issues arising from recent developments in Oloka, assuring residents that his administration would not abandon them. He added that development projects would be evenly distributed across the five local governments in the Ogbomoso Zone.
“The people own this government,” Makinde said. “I am assuring everyone in Surulere Local Government and the entire Ogbomoso Zone that development will spread across all local governments. I only ask for your cooperation.”
Traditional rulers present at the palace included the Aresapa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Ajiboye; the Aranyin of Iranyin, Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke; the Olujado of Ijado, Oba Hammed Adegbile; and the Iba of Abogunde, Oba Tajudeen Aminullahi.
In a separate comment, Oba Alao urged traditional institutions to adapt to modern realities, noting that governance structures worldwide had evolved beyond imperial systems.
“The world is dynamic. Modernity has restructured governance in Nigeria, and traditional rulers must cooperate with the government of the day to entrench good governance, promote development, security and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Governor Makinde had on Thursday re-inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, appointing Oba Ladoja as chairman for a two-year tenure. The council had been inactive for about 15 years due to protracted litigation.
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