Ibadan Empire Plot? Calls Grow for Oke Ogun, Ibarapa Obas to Boycott ‘Ibadan Council of Obas’

Fresh controversy has erupted over the structure and dominance of the traditional institution in Oyo State, as calls intensify for Obas from Oke Ogun and Ibarapa zones to reconsider their participation in what critics describe as the “Ibadan Council of Obas,” rather than a truly representative Oyo State Council of Obas.

In a strongly worded position, stakeholders argue that Ibadan’s 11 local governments should retain their autonomy and not impose traditional authority over other historical towns in the state. The critics allege that Ibadan has, over time, consolidated excessive influence within the traditional council by elevating its high chiefs to Oba status, effectively taking control of the institution.

The development has reignited debates about history, power and equity within Oyo State. Ibadan, established about 198 years ago as a military outpost of the old Oyo Empire to protect the ancient throne, has in the last 50 years seen its monarch elevated from Bale to Oba. Since then, opponents claim, Ibadan has displaced older towns and monarchs to assume dominance in the state’s traditional hierarchy.

Beyond the traditional institution, accusations have also been raised that Ibadan has cornered political power, including the governorship, and allegedly appropriated state resources disproportionately for its own development, to the detriment of other towns.

The controversy also took a political turn with claims circulating that Governor Seyi Makinde is of Ijesa origin and not an indigene of Oyo State, a narrative now fueling wider ethnic and regional arguments.

Observers say the unfolding dispute raises fundamental questions: Is Ibadan’s dominance a product of history and tradition, sheer political power, calculated manoeuvring, or simple fortune? And are other parts of Oyo State silently endorsing what critics describe as an imbalance in traditional and political power?

The debate, championed by Chief Ayoade, continues to generate sharp reactions across the state, with many warning that failure to address the grievances could further deepen regional tensions within Oyo State.