Beaded Crown For Senator Alli May Signal End To His 2027 Governorship Speculation In Oyo
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sarafadeen Alli, is set to receive a beaded crown in Ibadan, a development widely seen as putting an end to speculations about his potential bid for the Oyo State governorship in 2027.
Alli, who served as Secretary to the State Government under former governor Rashidi Ladoja, will be elevated to the title of Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, a traditional position that, under Oyo State chieftaincy law, disqualifies holders from participating in partisan politics.
The directive for the coronation was conveyed in a statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Demola Ojo.
The statement instructed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to proceed with the conferment in line with the Ibadan chieftaincy declaration.
The elevation of Alli is part of a broader exercise involving other high-ranking chiefs. High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin and High Chief Kola Babalola are also scheduled to receive beaded crowns.
According to the statement, the coronation ceremony has been fixed for Friday, April 3, 2026, and will take place at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
“The coronation/crown-wearing programme for the above-mentioned High Chiefs has been fixed for Friday, 3rd April, 2026, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan,” the statement read.
The government emphasized that the conferment of beaded crowns is a necessary step to preserve the integrity of the Ibadan traditional institution and to dispel claims that the delay in the process was politically motivated.
It further noted that the move aligns with the provisions of Oyo State chieftaincy law, which bars crowned chiefs from contesting elective political offices, thereby reinforcing the neutrality of traditional rulers in partisan politics.