By Feyisetan Hamzat | Benny News Hub | Ibadan
Chief Ashagidigbi Olatunde Bello, Governor of the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, has praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his decision to reinstate and strengthen the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, and for appointing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as Chairman of the council.
The Council, which had been dormant for several years, was recently inaugurated by Governor Makinde at the House of Chiefs in Agodi, Ibadan, marking its official return to active service. Under the newly adopted structure, the leadership of the council will rotate every two years among the three foremost traditional rulers in the state — the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland — with the Olubadan taking the first term.
Chief Ashagidigbi described the appointment as a welcome development that will usher in renewed collaboration between traditional institutions and the government, with a focus on peacebuilding, cultural preservation, grassroots stability, and socio-economic development across Oyo State.
“We appreciate the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde in restoring the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs — an institution that plays a vital role in community cohesion, culture, and development. The appointment of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as Chairman of the council signals a renewed focus on unity, consultation, and partnership,” Chief Ashagidigbi said.
The Agbekoya leader expressed confidence that the rotational chairmanship arrangement will foster inclusiveness, mutual respect, and shared responsibility among traditional rulers, strengthening their role as custodians of heritage and stabilising forces in their respective domains.
He further urged all stakeholders — monarchs, community leaders, farmers, security groups, and government officials — to rally behind the council in its bid to promote peace, cultural continuity, food security, and sustainable development across Oyo State.
Chief Ashagidigbi concluded that the reactivation of the council at this time reflects a deep understanding of the importance of traditional institutions in modern governance and grassroots mobilization.
