Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has elevated 10 high chiefs in Ibadanland to the status of Obas, adorned with beaded crowns.
The decision was made in accordance with the Olubadan-in-Council’s proposal and was subsequently approved by the governor’s office, following existing laws.
The ceremony took place at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, where the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, presented the newly appointed Obas with their crowns and staffs of office.
Governor Makinde emphasized that the review of the chieftaincy system had been initiated internally by the Ibadan Traditional Council and had the support of the Olubadan-in-Council, Senior Chiefs, Mogajis, and Baales in Ibadanland.
He reiterated his commitment not to interfere with the traditional system, emphasizing that any reforms should originate from within the system itself.
The governor expressed his willingness to approve such reviews when properly conducted, highlighting the importance of the traditional council’s ability to address internal issues and resolve them.
From left, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and Aare Musulumi of Yourbaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola at the coronation ceremony of High Chiefs of Ibadanland that represent Olubadan at the eleven Local Government Traditional Councils as Beaded Crown-Wearing Obas by Olubadan, held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. [File: PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.]
Governor Makinde also clarified that the crowning of the Obas was performed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland and not by himself.
He referenced past controversies surrounding the issue and explained that his role as governor was to support the traditional fathers and grant approval when necessary reforms were proposed.
He acknowledged the minority’s concerns but suggested that they seek legal recourse if they disagreed with the majority’s decision.
During the event, the governor also addressed the recent amendment of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, emphasizing that it did not grant him sole authority to determine who wears beaded crowns in the state.
The amendment clarified that “the consenting authority for the elevation of Chiefs was the Olubadan of Ibadanland, not the governor.”
Governor Makinde dismissed misconceptions and assured the audience that history had been made with the approval and implementation of the elevation.
The governor extended his congratulations to the newly appointed Obas, urging them to work for the betterment of the state’s residents.
He commended the Olubadan for his role in the historic occasion and attributed the developments to a divine plan.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (right) presenting Staff of Office to Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin during the coronation ceremony of High Chiefs of Ibadanland that represent Olubadan at the eleven Local Government Traditional Councils as Beaded Crown-Wearing Obas by Olubadan, held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.[File: PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.]
The event was attended by various traditional rulers, government officials, and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, including notable figures such as the Ooni of Ife and the Oluwo of Iwo.
Among the royal fathers that graced the occasion were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who was represented by the Onifegunwa of Ifegunwa, Oba Adewole Solomon; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao.
Others were the Onjo of Okeho, Oba Rafiu Osuolale; the Olu of Igbo-Ora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye; the Alepata of Igboholand, Oba Joel Olawuwo; the Aare of Ofiki, Oba Gbenga Adeoye; and the Onigbope of Igbope, Oba Moses Oyetola, among others.
