The institution of Obaship has always been central to Yoruba identity, politics, and cultural heritage. But the formal creation of a Council where Obas and Chiefs could meet was given legal backing in 1959, through the Obas and Chiefs Law No. W.R. 38 of 1959.
The Council of Obas and Chiefs was officially inaugurated on 24th March, 1960, with Oba Adesoji Aderemi, the Ooni of Ife, as its first Chairman. Other foundation members included some of the most powerful traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
Foundation Members (1960):
1️⃣ Sir Adesoji Aderemi – Ooni of Ife (Chairman)
2️⃣ Sir Ladapo Ademola – Alake of Abeokuta
3️⃣ Oba Gbadegesin Oladigbolu II – Alaafin of Oyo
4️⃣ Oba Tewogboye II – Osemawe of Ondo
5️⃣ Oba Moses S. Awolesi – Akarigbo of Ijebu Remo
6️⃣ Oba Adetoyese Laoye II – Timi of Ede
7️⃣ Oba Obika A. Gbnuba – Obi of Agbor
Interestingly, when Ooni Adesoji Aderemi was appointed in 1960 as the first African Governor in the British Empire and Commonwealth, the chairmanship of the Council shifted to Alaafin Ladigbolu II of Oyo.
Expansion of the Council
Over the years, the size and membership of the Council expanded, especially after political transitions:
1966 (Military Era):
Under Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, the Council was restructured by law. The Ooni of Ife was made Chairman, the Alaafin of Oyo became Deputy Chairman, with other paramount rulers like the Alake, Awujale, Olubadan, Osemawe, Orangun of Ila, Akarigbo, Ewi of Ado, Deji of Akure, and Owa of Ijeshaland added.
1977:
Governor Adeyinka Adebayo further expanded membership to 12 permanent Obas, each representing the major divisions of the old Western State.
The Twelve Paramount Members (Post-1977):
1. Alaafin of Oyo – Oyo North & South
2. Ooni of Ife – Ife Division
3. Alake of Abeokuta – Egba Division
4. Awujale of Ijebuland – Ijebu Division
5. Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland – Ijesa North & South
6. Ewi of Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti Central
7. Osemawe of Ondo – Ondo Division
8. Olowo of Owo – Owo Division
9. Deji of Akure – Akure Division
10. Orangun of Ila – Osun North-East
11. Olubadan of Ibadan – Ibadan Division
12. Akarigbo of Ijebu Remo – Remo Division
This arrangement gave formal recognition to the paramountcy of Yoruba kingship, ensuring that Obas were not just cultural figures but also advisers and influencers in governance.
Till today, the Council of Obas remains a symbol of unity, authority, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage.
Moral of History:
The Yoruba monarchy has always adapted to time and circumstance. From colonial rule to military regimes and civilian democracy, the Council of Obas has been a meeting point of culture, politics, and tradition.
Question for you: Do you think the Council of Obas still holds as much influence today as it did in the 1960s and 70s?
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