The Oyo State Government has approved the elevation of Senator Sharafadeen Alli and two other high-ranking chiefs to the status of beaded crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland, a move that has sparked political conversations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
The announcement also includes High Chiefs Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola, who have now been promoted within the traditional hierarchy to positions that qualify them for coronation as Obas. Their new titles place them among the senior figures in the Ibadan traditional council.
A government memo issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, confirmed that the coronation ceremony is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan. The directive, addressed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, emphasized that the immediate conferment of beaded crowns was necessary to avoid perceptions of political interference and to uphold the integrity of the traditional institution.
The elevation follows recent amendments to the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which now stipulate that only the most senior beaded crown Oba in a ruling line can be nominated for the Olubadan throne—replacing the previous requirement centered on the most senior high chief.
The development comes amid growing speculation over Alli’s political future. The senator, who represents Oyo South, has been mentioned as a potential consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship election. Other aspirants within the party include prominent figures such as Teslim Folarin, Abdulfatai Buhari, and Bayo Adelabu, among others.
While the Olubadan’s palace has confirmed receipt of the government’s directive and notified the affected chiefs, uncertainty surrounds Alli’s participation in the coronation. A close associate of the senator suggested he may decline to attend, alleging that the move could be politically motivated to hinder his governorship ambition.
Legal opinions on the matter indicate that there is no constitutional barrier preventing a traditional ruler from contesting elections, though expectations of political neutrality for monarchs remain a strong cultural norm.
Meanwhile, the APC in Oyo State has criticized Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing his administration of prioritizing politics over governance. The party alleged neglect of critical state issues and questioned the governor’s focus, particularly amid economic and security concerns.
As the coronation date approaches, the intersection of tradition and politics in Oyo State continues to generate debate, with potential implications for both the state’s royal institution and its political landscape.
