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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Oyo State House of Assembly,on Wednesday, passed the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill 2023.
The bill was sponsored by the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as an executive bill.
The new law gave the governor the discretionary right and sole authority to specify those who will wear beaded crowns without consultation with the council of obas and chiefs in the state.
Recall that diverse views had trailed the proposed bill by various stakeholders, especially traditional rulers from across the state, with some stakeholders saying the bill was an usurpation of the powers of the traditional council.
Makinde sought an amendment to the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Laws of Oyo State through a letter sent to the House of Assembly few weeks ago.
A well attended public hearing was called by the lawmakers where stakeholders were afforded the opportunity to make contributions that will shape the bill, leading to its eventual passage on Wednesday