Three high chiefs of Ibadanland were on Friday crowned as Obas in absentia by Governor Seyi Makinde, despite their boycott and key traditional rulers.
The ceremony witnessed the elevation of High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin, and High Chief Oyekola Babalola to Obaship status.
Alli, the governorship hopeful under the All Progressives Congress, 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.
Key traditional figures, including Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, the Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Ghandi Olaoye, were absent at the coronation ceremony which held at the Mopo Hall.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal, who represented Makinde, stressed the need to maintain continuity in the traditional system.
He 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.
He emphasised that the conferment of beaded crowns reflects a tradition that continues to evolve while preserving its core values.
According to him, 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.
He implored the new elevated Obas to uphold integrity and promote unity in their domains.
He said:“Your conduct in office will shape the confidence reposed in the traditional system of Ibadanland.”
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions as partners in governance, peacebuilding, and development.
Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who represented Oba Ladoja commended the governor for preserving the established ascension order but cautioned traditional rulers against involvement in partisan politics.
Also speaking, the 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.