THE Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially crowned Oba Sarafadeen Alli as Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Oyekola Babalola as Ekarun Olubadan, and Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin as Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland despite their absence at the ceremony.
News Point Nigeria reports that the crowning ceremony, which took place at the historic Mapo hall, Ibadan, had many dignitaries in attendance despite the absence of the newly elevated Obas, who also did not send any representative or family member.
Before their elevation, Oba Sarafadeen Alli, who is currently a serving senator, representing Oyo South at the National Assembly, and the two others, served as High Chiefs in the Olubadan in-council.
Their elevation, however, followed their elevation in the ascension order according to the Oyo state Chiefs’ law.
The Oyo State Government said the elevation of Oba Alli and two other High Chiefs to beaded crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland was necessitated by legal provisions and the need to sustain the long-standing structured order of the ancient city’s traditional system.
Speaking at the conferment ceremony, the Deputy Governor, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, described the event as a convergence of history, culture, and governance.
He noted that the exercise was not merely ceremonial but a reaffirmation of a system that has provided identity and stability for generations.
He explained that the conferment of beaded crowns on the elevated High Chiefs was firmly anchored in the Chiefs’ Law of Oyo State and guided by the customs of Ibadanland, stressing that the action followed due legal process.
According to him, “this ceremony goes beyond formality. It represents a deliberate affirmation of our commitment to uphold the rule of law while preserving the dignity and relevance of our traditional institutions.”
Citing Section 20, Subsections (1) and (4) of the Chiefs Law, the Deputy Governor noted that the governor is empowered to approve such elevations, adding that the decision was also necessary to avoid creating a vacuum or distorting the well-structured chieftaincy arrangement in Ibadanland.
He maintained that the traditional institution remains a vital pillar for continuity, peace, and identity.
The governor charged the newly crowned Obas to see their elevation as a call to higher responsibility, urging them to lead with wisdom, integrity, and a strong commitment to unity within their domains.
He added that their conduct would shape public confidence in the traditional system.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, stated that Ibadanland has long been known for its unique and highly structured traditional system, one that he said commands respect across Yorubaland.
According to him, the occasion has further strengthened that legacy and also reinforced the bond between the government and the traditional institution.
“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in the enduring history of the Ibadan traditional institution. It is not merely a ceremonial exercise, but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage and time-honoured traditions that define our people.
“It also demonstrates the Oyo State Government’s commitment to due process, cultural preservation, and adherence to the provisions of the Chiefs’ Law,” he said.
He commended the Governor for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for traditional institutions as critical partners in governance, peacebuilding, and grassroots development.
In his congratulation to the newly elevated Obas, the commissioner said: “I extend my warm congratulations. This honour signifies recognition of your esteemed positions within the Ibadan traditional system, while also placing on you a greater responsibility to uphold tradition, promote unity, and contribute meaningfully to the development of your domains.”
He stated further that Ibadanland remains a shining example of a well-structured and progressive traditional system, saying: “It is our collective responsibility to sustain and strengthen this legacy.
“As a Ministry, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting traditional rulers in promoting peace, development, and good governance at the grassroots. Together, we will continue to build a society rooted in culture, guided by wisdom, and driven by progress.”
In his goodwill message, the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole, commended the governor for his commitment to preserving the Ibadan chieftaincy structure.
He described Seyi Makinde as a lover of Ibadanland who has dedicated himself to contributing significantly to the development of the ancient city, emphasizing that adherence to the law, rather than sentiment, safeguards the ascension order.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the event, commended Governor Makinde for preserving the elevation order of the Ibadan traditional institution.
While congratulating the newly elevated Obas, Oba Ajibola cautioned traditional rulers, particularly, members of the Olubadan in-council, to resist the temptation of partisan politics in line with the gazetted Chieftaincy laws of Oyo state.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, had earlier disclosed that the three newly elevated Obas have written to inform the palace of their unavailability for the coronation ceremony slated for today.
The latest development followed a statement by the palace of the Olubadan, on Thursday evening, which equally dismissed circulated reports in a section of online newspapers suggesting a rift between the revered monarch and Seyi Makinde, affirming that both leaders maintain a cordial and respectful relationship.
The palace also clarified that the three High Chiefs expected to be coronated had formally notified the Olubadan of their inability to attend the ceremony as scheduled.
The chiefs, according to the statement, requested a postponement of the event.
It further noted that the development had been duly communicated to the state government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, in line with established protocols.
The Oyo State government, despite the release from the palace, went ahead to crown the absent kings.