The Forum of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State has lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for reviving the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs after 14 years, describing the move as a decisive intervention to reposition traditional institutions as key partners in governance and grassroots stability.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the forum, through its Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, and Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo, said the long-awaited inauguration marks a turning point in efforts to strengthen unity, peace, and effective local administration across the state.
The council chairmen congratulated traditional rulers on the formal reconvening of the council, noting that its return would deepen harmony among communities and provide a structured platform for traditional authorities to contribute meaningfully to state affairs.
According to the forum, the Council of Obas and Chiefs remains critical to advisory governance, grassroots mobilisation, intelligence gathering for security, conflict resolution, and the preservation of cultural values, particularly at a time when community-based leadership is increasingly essential to peacebuilding.
Governor Makinde officially inaugurated the council at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, where the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was installed as Chairman of the council.
Under the rotational arrangement, the Olubadan is expected to preside over the council for the next two years before the position rotates to another monarch.
The ceremony, held at the House of Chiefs within the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Agodi, Ibadan, was attended by over 40 traditional rulers from different parts of the state.
Reaffirming their commitment to cultural preservation and inclusive governance, the local government chairmen pledged full cooperation with the council and the state government, assuring that they would work closely with traditional institutions to promote peace, security, and sustainable development at the grassroots.
