Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has elevated three High Chiefs in Ibadanland to the status of Obas, despite their absence from the coronation ceremony.
The chiefs—Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Akeem Adewoyin; Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Kola Babalola; and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Higj Chief Sharafadeen Alli—had earlier declined the state government’s invitation to attend the ceremony, stating that they would not be available.
Despite their absence, the governor, represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, formally pronounced them as Obas during the event held at Mapo Hall, on Friday.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was also absent but was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
Addressing the newly elevated monarchs, Lawal said: “Distinguished newly crowned Kabiyesis, káde ò pé lórí kí bàtà ò pé l’ẹsẹ̀.”
The ceremony was attended by several prominent Ibadan leaders and government officials, including Otun Olubadan, Oba Oba Eddy Oyewole; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekeerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; and Chief Nureni Akanbi.
Others were the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; the Araba of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Adegbola; former Minister of Trade and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande; a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adebayo Adepoju; Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; and the President-General of the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole.
The development is considered unprecedented in the history of Yorubaland, as the affected chiefs were not physically present at the event.
