Makinde Installs Three Ibadan High Chiefs As Obas In Absentia
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday installed three high chiefs of Ibadanland as Obas in absentia, despite the absence of key traditional rulers and the affected chiefs themselves.
The ceremony, held at Mapo Hall, witnessed the elevation of High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin, and High Chief Oyekola Babalola to Obaship status.
Alli was conferred with the title of Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, while Adewoyin and Babalola were installed as Ekeerin Balogun and Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, respectively.
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, Abimbola Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Ghandi Olaoye, underscoring the significance of the ceremony.
The development followed earlier communication from the Olubadan’s palace indicating that the affected chiefs had requested a postponement due to their inability to attend.
Government Stands Firm
Despite the request, the state government proceeded with the installation, stressing the need to maintain continuity within the traditional system.
In an address delivered by Deputy Governor 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,” he said.
Makinde emphasised that 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.
“This step has become necessary to avoid creating a vacuum or distorting the well-structured arrangement of the Ibadan traditional system,” he added.
The governor charged the newly elevated Obas to uphold integrity and promote unity in their domains.
“Your conduct in office will shape the confidence reposed in the traditional system of Ibadanland,” he said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions as partners in governance, peacebuilding, and development.
In his remarks, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola 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, 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.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan’s palace dismissed speculations of a rift between the monarch and the state government, maintaining that relations between both parties remain cordial.
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.