In a move that has stirred conversation across Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has officially elevated three High Chiefs of Ibadanland to the status of Obas.
The promotion occurred on Friday during a ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall, despite the notable absence of the honorees themselves.
A Ceremony of Absentee Monarchs
The three chiefs—High Chief Akeem Adewoyin (Ekeerin Balogun), High Chief Kola Babalola (Ekaarun Olubadan), and Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Ekaarun Balogun)—had previously declined the invitation. They informed the state government that they would be unavailable for the proceedings.
Regardless of their empty seats, the Governor, represented by Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal, proceeded with the formal pronouncements. This decision marks a rare moment in the traditional history of the region, where titles were conferred without the physical presence of the recipients.
The Governor’s Proclamation
Addressing the newly elevated monarchs in absentia, Deputy Governor Lawal maintained the traditional decorum of the office.
He stated: “Distinguished newly crowned Kabiyesis, káde ò pé lórí kí bàtà ò pé l’ẹsẹ̀.”
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was also absent from the Mapo Hall event. He was represented instead by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
Dignitaries and Local Leaders in Attendance
Despite the absence of the key subjects, the hall was filled with Oyo’s political and traditional elite. High-ranking figures present included:
- Oba Eddy Oyewole (Otun Olubadan)
- Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi (Osi Olubadan)
- Professor Musibau Babatunde (Secretary to the State Government)
- Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande (Former Minister of Trade and Industry)
The event was also attended by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, and the President-General of the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole.
An Unprecedented Precedent
Local historians and observers have noted that this Ibadan chieftaincy elevation is largely unprecedented in Yorubaland. Traditionally, the physical presence of a chief is central to the rites of passage into royalty. By crowning these chiefs in absentia, the Oyo State Governor has introduced a new chapter into the administrative handling of traditional stools in the state.
