Oyo lawmakers walk out over proposed rotational leadership for traditional council

May 20, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday when two lawmakers walked out of the plenary session in protest over a proposed bill that seeks to introduce rotational leadership among the state’s traditional council chairmanship.

The bill, which was presented by the House Committee on the Review of the Council of Obas and Chiefs, proposes that the chairmanship of the council rotates between the Alaafin, Olubadan, and Soun on a two-year term.

This move seeks to do away with the current system where the Alaafin permanently holds the position.

The committee’s report also recommends the inclusion of the Samu and Agbakin as members of the Council of Obas and Chiefs.

However, not everyone was pleased with the proposal, as lawmakers Rahaman Olorunpoto and Gbenga Oyekola staged a walkout in disagreement.

The development has been likened to a past controversy sparked by former Governor Alao Akala’s administration, which was perceived as a vendetta against the late Alaafin Adeyemi III.

The walkout by the two lawmakers shows the deep-seated divisions within the Assembly over the proposed bill, and raises questions about the future of the traditional council’s leadership structure.

As the debate continues in the house, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the outcome, which could have far-reaching implications for the state’s traditional institutions.