Tension Mounts in Afijio as Communities Reject Move to Bypass Rotational Tradition

A wave of unrest is sweeping through Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State following a controversial move to appoint the Akibio of Ilora as a permanent member of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs—a decision that many residents say violates the long-standing rotational leadership tradition among the town's monarchs.

Afijio’s traditional structure recognizes three principal communities—Awe, Ilora and Ilora —with an agreed arrangement that the chairmanship of the local traditional council and the representation on the state Obas council rotates among the three. This system, stakeholders say, has maintained balance and unity among the towns for decades.

However, recent developments indicate that Hon. Deji Oparinde, who represents Afijio State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly and serves on the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, allegedly nominated his father, the Akibio of Ilora, for a permanent seat on the Council—bypassing the rotational agreement.

This action has sparked outrage across Fiditi and Awe, with traditional leaders and concerned citizens condemning the move as unilateral and self-serving. Community groups have begun mobilizing, demanding strict adherence to due process and the restoration of the rotational principle that ensures fairness and respect for all towns involved.

Leaders have called on the Oyo State Government to intervene swiftly, warning that ignoring the people’s concerns could lead to escalating tensions and breakdown of communal harmony.

As the situation unfolds, Afijio residents are watching closely, hopeful that tradition and justice will prevail over politics and personal interests.