The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Oyo State, Hon. Ademola Ojo, has insisted that the three High Chiefs announced to be elevated to Oba status will be given staff of office and beaded crowns, irrespective of whether they are present or not.

The Commissioner made this known on Friday at the Mapo Hall venue of the coronation, against the revelation that the three High Chiefs had written to the government that they would not be present for some reasons. They had asked for the postponement of the event.

The three High Chiefs are: Chief Kola Babalola (SAN), who is Ekaarun Olubadan; High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun); and High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (Ekaarun Balogun).

While Chief Babalola had given the excuse that he was not available because of a health challenge he had gone to attend to, Senator Alli said he had a national assignment as Senator representing Oyo South, Chief Adewoyin said he needed more time to prepare for the celebration of the new status.

The Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner, however, said that the Obas-to-be had been notified of the Coronation two weeks ago, and they could come and collect their already signed certificates and staff of office whenever they are ready. He said that the governor will go ahead and make their proclamation as crowned Obas.

His words, “There is time for Everytime. This is the Government’s decision, and it is according to the law. Before the time of the present Olubadan, one of the High Chiefs, Bolaji Adewoyin, had notified the governor of his readiness to be crowned, but the governor had no time then. Now the governor has the chance, moreso that two others are due to be crowned.

“If it is not done today, the government might not have the time again. That is why we are going ahead to do it”.

Confirming the stand, the Deputy Governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal, is presently at the Mapo Hall venue of the Coronation, representing the Governor, Seyi Makinde.

Many dignitaries have arrived at the venue, among them the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Agbotomokekere, Chief Adebayo Oyero (ex-President General CCII), Iba Oluyole, government officials, traditional rulers, lawmakers, etc.

Presently, however, the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rasidi Ladoja, is not at the venue. The official musician of the state government, Taye Currency, is on the bandstand presently.