Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has elevated 14 high chiefs and baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas, presenting them with Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office in a landmark coronation ceremony.
The Staffs and Instruments of Office were presented on Friday by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, on behalf of the governor at a colourful ceremony held at Oliveth Heights, Oyo West Local Government Area.
The newly elevated monarchs include Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye; Onimileke of Imileke, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; and Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe.
Others are Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff; Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari; Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh; Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; and Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.
Makinde, whose speech was delivered by his deputy, said the elevation of the monarchs underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace and grassroots development.
“Your ascension to the status of crown-wearing Obas is a recognition of your leadership and a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peace building and community development,” the governor said.
“The State Government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of unity and partners in progress.”
He urged the monarchs to lead with integrity and inclusiveness.
“I urge you to uphold integrity, fairness and service to your people. Your reigns should be characterised by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving the welfare of citizens in your domains,” Makinde said.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the occasion as historic and culturally significant, saying it reaffirmed Oyo’s rich heritage and enduring traditions.
“The Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest and most revered in Africa, remains central to governance, culture and unity in Oyo land,” Ojo said.
“The beaded crown is a sacred symbol of authority, service and divine responsibility, and those who wear it are called to lead with integrity, courage and compassion.”
He commended the governor for approving and sponsoring the programme, noting that the coronation of 14 Obas simultaneously symbolised unity, continuity and renewal in Oyo land.
Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers in conflict resolution, cultural preservation and community mobilisation.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; members of the 10th Oyo Assembly from the Oyo geopolitical zone; senior government officials and political leaders.
