The promotion of 11 Ibadan High Chiefs to beaded crown obas has been approved by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Following its adoption by the state House of Assembly, the governor recently signed the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill into law, giving him the authority to bestow beaded crowns and coronets on chiefs in the state.
The High Chiefs are Balogun of Ibadanland, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja; Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Olubadan, Biodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Olubunmi Isioye; Ekarun Olubadan; Bayo Akande and Ekarun Balogun, Abiodun Azeez.
According to a knowledgeable government source who spoke with our correspondent on Wednesday, the governor has approved the promotion. The high chiefs will be formally installed as traditional rulers on Friday, July 7, 2023.
Further information revealed that the governor’s acceptance followed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the prescribed and consenting authority, recommending it.
The PUNCH reports the source saying, “This elevation would have come earlier before now. Even before the administration of the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi. Ajimobi had a good intention on this elevation but the approach was wrong. Why would you just wake up one day and do something of such nature in just three days or thereabouts?
“You will be shocked when you see some Obas from other places who are not even up to High Chief in Ibadanland in a public place with a large entourage. But sometimes, our High Chiefs are regarded as mere chiefs. So, it’s a good decision and the governor has consented. They will be officially crowned on Friday, July 7, 2023, as stipulated in a letter sent to the governor by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun.”
