Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas.
The Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office were presented on Friday at a colourful coronation ceremony held at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area.
Makinde was represented at the event by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, who officially handed over the documents and staffs to the newly installed monarchs.
Among those elevated are Oba David Oyediran, the Alaaguo of Aguoland; Oba Afonja Mukaila, the Baba Eyaji of Oyo; Oba Samuel Odurinde, the Alajagba of Oyo; Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye, the Ona-Isokun of Oyo; Oba Fakayode Alowonle, the Onimileke of Imileke; Oba Salawu Oyeniran, the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu; Oba Olaniyi Adegboye, the Oloodu of Ojongbodu; and Oba Tijani Ajeigbe, the Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara.
Others include Oba Oyeleke Yusuff, the Onidode of Idodeland; Oba Lamidi Jimoh, the Iba Samu of Oyo Empire; Oba Ganiyu Busari, the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land; Oba Asimiyu Jimoh, the Agbaaki of Oyo; Oba Jimoh Oyeleye, the Alakeitan of Akeitan; and Oba Abel Oyekan, the Elepe of Iseke.
In a speech read by his deputy, Makinde said the elevation was part of his administration’s effort to strengthen traditional institutions and promote peace and development at the grassroots.
He congratulated the new Obas and urged them to lead with integrity, fairness, and a strong commitment to the welfare of their people.
“The State Government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of unity and partners in progress,” Makinde said.
He also encouraged them to ensure their reigns are marked by peace, inclusiveness, and support for government programmes.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the occasion as historic, noting that it reflects Oyo’s rich culture and the continued importance of the Yoruba traditional system.
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He said the beaded crown remains a sacred symbol of authority and responsibility, adding that those who wear it must lead with courage and compassion.
The event attracted several dignitaries including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who was represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, as well as former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu, lawmakers, political leaders, and top government officials.
Meanwhile, the development comes amid a legal dispute, as the Supreme Court has been asked to restrain the Oyo State Government from creating, recognising, or elevating the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy stool pending the determination of an appeal.
The appeal, which was instituted by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, is yet to be fixed for hearing.
