Two leading traditional rulers in Oyo State—the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi—were noticeably absent on Monday as Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary.
The event, held at the International Conference Centre in Ibadan, drew family members of former governors, traditional and religious leaders, senior government officials, and political stakeholders to celebrate Oyo State’s creation on February 3, 1976, from the former Western Region, with Ibadan as its capital.
Ahead of the celebration, the state government had unveiled a week-long programme featuring religious services, cultural displays, a public lecture titled “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future,” as well as an awards and dinner night. Former lawmaker Saheed Fijabi chairs the 11-member planning committee.
While the Olubadan of Ibadan and Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, attended alongside other monarchs, the absence of the Alaafin and the Soun drew attention. This comes against the backdrop of Governor Makinde’s recent decision to make the chairmanship of the Oyo Council of Obas rotational among the Alaafin, Soun, and Olubadan—a shift from the long-standing arrangement that placed the position permanently with the Alaafin.
At the inauguration of Oba Ladoja, Makinde said all three monarchs had agreed to the new arrangement. However, the Alaafin later issued a rebuttal, stating he was not part of any meeting where such an agreement was reached. Monday’s ceremony marked the first major state event since that disagreement became public.
Efforts to reach spokesmen for the Alaafin and the Soun for comments were unsuccessful.
During the event, Governor Makinde cut the anniversary cake and reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a stronger and more competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and expands opportunities for residents. He stressed that the next 50 years of Oyo State should be defined by prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope.
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The governor also reflected on the legacy of former Governor Bola Ige, citing his free education initiatives as foundational to the state’s ethos of equal opportunity. He highlighted a digital tribute platform created for the anniversary, which has gathered hundreds of citizen stories showcasing resilience, enterprise, and a shared sense of belonging.
“These stories are not just tributes; they are proof of opportunity, enterprise, and hope,” Makinde said.
In his remarks, planning committee chairman Saheed Fijabi outlined the historical journey and development milestones of the state, describing the celebration as both a reflection on the past and a commitment to future progress. The Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, called for recognition of past political leaders and unsung heroes whose efforts helped shape the state.
Despite the visible absence of the Alaafin and the Soun and the lingering controversy over the council chairmanship, the state government pushed ahead with the celebrations, with Makinde urging residents to participate fully in the remaining activities, culminating in the grand finale scheduled for January 27, 2026.
