Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has promoted 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyoland to the status of crown-wearing Obas, stating that the elevation is a call to greater responsibility and collaboration with the government to secure their domains and bring about development.
The 14 elevated chiefs were presented with the crowns and instruments of office on Friday, in an event held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.
Presenting the instruments of office to the newly-elevated royal fathers, including the Alago-Oja of Ago Oja, Alajagba of Ajagba, Onimeleke of Imeleke, Alaaguo of Aguo, and Alapaara of Apaara, Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, said his administration remains committed to upholding and strengthening the state’s traditional institution.
The other promoted High Chiefs are: Alakeetan of Akeetan, Onigudugbu of Gudugbu, Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Onidode of Idode, Onasokun of Oyo, Elepe of Iseke, Babayaji of Oyo, Iba Samu of Oyo and Agbaakin of Oyo.
The governor declared that the elevation of the High Chiefs was borne out of the government’s commitment to promoting peace, sustaining the traditional institution and engendering development, urging the newly promoted royal fathers to see their elevation as a call to greater responsibility and service to their people and Oyo State.
He congratulated the newly-crowned traditional rulers, noting that their elevation was in recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation that his administration continues to see the traditional institutions as relevant in governance, peacebuilding and community development.
The governor also charged the elevated Obas to lead with integrity, fairness and service to their people.
Barrister Lawal said: “It is with great honour and profound joy that I stand before you today at this historic coronation ceremony of our newly approved Crown-Wearing Obas in Oyo.
“This occasion marks yet another significant milestone in the preservation and strengthening of our cherished traditional institution.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, I extend warm congratulations to our revered Kabiyesis who are being formally crowned today.
“His Excellency’s unwavering commitment to strengthening our traditional institutions, promoting peace, and accelerating sustainable development across Oyo State continues to inspire confidence and unity among our people.
“Your ascension to the esteemed status of Crown-Wearing Obas is not only a recognition of your leadership but also a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of our traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding, and community development.”
He added, “Your Royal Majesties, as you wear the beaded crowns today, you assume even greater responsibilities. We encourage you to continue to uphold the values of integrity, fairness, and service to your people. Let your reign be marked by peace, inclusiveness, and unwavering support for government programmes aimed at improving the welfare of our citizens.”
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Ademola Ojo, stated that the event was historic and culturally significant, as it represented not just the coronation of royal fathers but a reaffirmation of Oyo’s rich heritage and enduring traditions.
He added that the Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest and most revered in Africa, remains central to governance, culture and unity.
The commissioner lauded Governor Makinde for approving the elevation and presentation of crowns and instruments of office to the 14 Obas, stressing that it symbolised unity, continuity and renewal in Oyoland.
He equally noted that the government would continue to demonstrate commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers for conflict resolution, cultural preservation and community mobilisation.
Present at the event were the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; House of Assembly members, commissioners, as well as other top government functionaries and political leaders in the state.
Meanwhile, Inside Oyo gathered that Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, expressed strong resistance to Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to elevate 14 high chiefs to crown-wearing Obas, including Alago-oja.
The Alaafin argues that the elevation is unlawful and contradicts previous court judgments declaring the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy stool non-existent.
In a motion filed at the Supreme Court, the Alaafin seeks to restrain the governor and attorney-general from recognizing or elevating the chieftaincy stool, citing a 2007 High Court judgment and a 2017 Court of Appeal decision that affirmed the stool’s non-existence.
