Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday pronounced and affirmed three High Chiefs of Ibadanland as Obas in absentia, saying that the installation was necessary to avoid creating a vacuum or distorting the well-structured arrangement of the Ibadan traditional system.
The ceremony, held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, had in attendance several dignitaries including traditional rulers, captains of industries, legal practitioners, political gladiators, as well as, government functionaries. The three High Chiefs crowned as Obas in absentia are: Chief Kola Babalola (SAN) who is Ekaarun Olubadan; High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun); and High Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (Ekaarun Balogun, who is the serving Senator for Oyo South senatorial district).
The trio, who were informed of the elevation two weeks ago, had given different reasons why they would not be in attendance, while urging that the programme be postponed. While Chief Babalola had given excuse that he was not available because of health challenges he had gone to attend to, Senator Alli said he had a national assignment as Senator representing Oyo South, and Chief Adewoyin said he needed more time to prepare for celebration of the new status.
The event was marked by the absence of prominent traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, who was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola. Also absent were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Ghandi Olaoye. In an address delivered by the Deputy Governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal, Governor Makinde described the occasion as a historic convergence of culture, tradition, and governance.
“We are not merely gathered to witness a ceremonial rite; we are here to affirm a system that has, for generations, provided structure, order, and identity to Ibadanland. “The conferment of beaded crowns reflects a tradition that continues to evolve while preserving its core values.”
He noted that the exercise was backed by the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, which empowers the governor to confer crowns on elevated high chiefs, saying, “This step has become necessary to avoid creating a vacuum or distorting the well-structured arrangement of the Ibadan traditional system.”
While charging the newly elevated Obas to uphold integrity and promote unity in their domains, the governor said: “Your conduct in office will shape the confidence reposed in the traditional system of Ibadanland.” He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions as partners in governance, peace building, and development.
In his remarks, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who represented the Olubadan, commended the governor for preserving the established ascension order but cautioned traditional rulers against involvement in partisan politics. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, described the event as a milestone in the history of Ibadan’s traditional institution, noting that it reinforces cultural heritage and adherence to due process.
Similarly, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole, lauded the governor’s commitment to legality, stressing that respect for established laws safeguards the chieftaincy system. The event was attended by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Council of Obas, and several dignitaries, including Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN);
Iba Oluyole, Chief Nureni Akanbi; former Minister, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, alongside top government officials, local government chairmen of all council areas of Ibadan, and religious leaders.
