Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas, formally presenting them with Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office.
The presentation was carried out on Friday by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who represented the governor at a colourful coronation ceremony held in Oyo West Local Government Area.
The newly installed monarchs are Oba David Oyediran (Alaaguo of Aguoland), Oba Afonja Mukaila (Baba Eyaji of Oyo), Oba Samuel Odurinde (Alajagba of Oyo), Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye (Ona-Isokun of Oyo), Oba Fakayode Alowonle (Onimileke of Imileke), Oba Salawu Oyeniran (Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu), Oba Olaniyi Adegboye (Oloodu of Ojongbodu), Oba Tijani Ajeigbe (Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara), Oba Oyeleke Yusuff (Onidode of Idodeland), Oba Lamidi Jimoh (Iba Samu of Oyo Empire), Oba Ganiyu Busari (Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja), Oba Asimiyu Jimoh (Agbaaki of Oyo), Oba Jimoh Oyeleye (Alakeitan of Akeitan), and Oba Abel Oyekan (Elepe of Iseke).
In his address, read by his deputy, Makinde said the elevation reflects his administration’s resolve to strengthen traditional institutions and enhance grassroots development. He described the new status of the chiefs as recognition of their leadership roles and the enduring relevance of traditional rulers in governance and peacebuilding.
The governor urged the monarchs to lead with integrity and fairness, encouraging them to promote unity and support government programmes aimed at improving the welfare of their people.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the ceremony as historic and culturally significant. He noted that the Yoruba traditional institution remains central to governance and unity in Oyo land, adding that the beaded crown symbolises authority, service, and responsibility.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, former Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu, lawmakers from the Oyo zone, and other political leaders.
Meanwhile, a legal dispute has emerged over the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy. The Supreme Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has been asked to restrain the state government from creating, recognising, or elevating the stool pending the determination of an appeal.
In a motion filed in Appeal No. SC/404/2018, the Alaafin of Oyo is seeking interlocutory and mandatory injunctions against the governor and the state Attorney-General to halt actions relating to the chieftaincy.
The suit was originally instituted by the late Lamidi Adeyemi III, who asked the court to restrain the government from recognising or elevating the Baale Ago-Oja stool and from approving Alhaji Ganiyu Busari as its holder. The motion also seeks to set aside a state gazette relating to the elevation.
The appeal and accompanying motion have yet to be scheduled for hearing.
