Ogbomoso

  IBADAN – As the proposed amendment to the Oyo state council of Obas and Chiefs law seeking to designate the Alaafin of Oyo as the Permanent Chairman of the council continues to generate heat, Mogajis of the Soun Ruling Houses in Ogbomosoland have also kicked against the proposal. The amendment bill, currently under consideration by the Oyo State House of Assembly, has ignited controversy among traditional rulers and stakeholders across the state. In a strongly worded joint statement, five prominent Mogajis — Prince Olawuyi Itabiyi (Aburumaku), Prince Sikiru Oyeyiola (Gbagun), Prince Amos Olawole Olaoye (Laoye), Prince Samuel Oyebamiji Oyedeji (Bolanta), and Prince Stephen Ilufoye Layode (Odunaro) — condemned the proposed legislation, describing it as “an affront to history and tradition.” They argued that the idea of making the Alaafin a permanent chairman undermines the historical evolution of the Yoruba traditional structure, especially after the fall of the old Oyo Empire in 1837. “History is clear: the Oyo supremacy ended with the destruction of Oyo-Ile by the Fulani invasion. What followed was a new historical order that saw other Yoruba towns like Ogbomoso and Ibadan rise to prominence. Any attempt to sidestep that reality in favour of sentiment is unjust,” the statement read. The Mogajis emphasised that the current Oyo Kingdom, founded in 1875 by Prince Atiba, is distinct from the original Oyo Empire ruled by Alaafin Oranmiyan. They claimed that the present Oyo town occupies land originally belonging to Ogbomoso’s Oja lineage and recalled historical events where Ogbomoso and Ibadan provided refuge and protection to the migrating Oyos. They further argued that Ogbomoso played a vital role in halting the Fulani advance into core Yoruba land by standing firm between Ilorin and Oyo, preserving not only their town but also protecting the emerging Oyo settlement. “The powers and glory of the old Oyo Empire are buried in Katunga. What exists today is a new kingdom, and hierarchy must reflect this post-1837 history,” they asserted. Citing past legal victories, including a Supreme Court judgement in 1984 awarding disputed land to Ogbomoso over Oyo, the Mogajis pointed out that even in contemporary times, Ogbomoso’s historical and territorial relevance cannot be ignored. They reiterated that the Soun of Ogbomoso has served as chairman of the council in the past during the reign of late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, and insisted that the rotational system must be preserved. “We reject any move to make the Alaafin the permanent chairman. Rotational leadership reflects fairness and historical accuracy. “Sentiment cannot override historical truth. We have no apology for defending the dignity and legacy of Ogbomoso,” the Mogajis stated. They advised the Oyo State House of Assembly to respect the diverse historical contributions of all Yoruba towns and uphold the rotational chairmanship structure to avoid discord and preserve unity among the traditional rulers in the state.