The Governor Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde has elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas on Friday, with the presentation of Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office.
The presentation which was done on behalf of the governor by the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, presented the Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office at a colourful coronation ceremony held at the premises of Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area of the state.
The newly elevated monarchs include the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; the Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; the Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; the Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye; the Onimileke of Imileke, Oyo, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oyo, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; the Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; and the Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe.
Others are the Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff; the Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari; the Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh; the Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; and the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.
The Governor emphasized that the elevation of the chiefs underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace and development at the grassroots.
He, however, congratulates the newly crowned monarchs, saying their ascension to the status of crown-wearing Obas was both a recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding, and grassroots community development.
The governor said further that, “The State Government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of peace, unity and partners in progress.
“I want to urge you all (the monarchs) to uphold integrity, fairness and service to your people. Your reigns should be characterized by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare in their domains.”
In the welcome address earlier delivered by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, he emphasized that the event holds historic and culturally significant, stated further that it represented not just the installation of royal fathers but a reaffirmation of Oyo’s rich heritage, enduring traditions and commitment of the state government in empowering the traditional rulers.
He said the Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest and most revered in Africa, remains central to governance, culture, and unity in Oyo land.
“The beaded crown is a sacred symbol of authority, service and divine responsibility, and those who wear it are called to lead with integrity, courage and compassion.”
The commissioner also commended the governor for approving and sponsoring the programme, adding that the coronation of 14 Obas at once symbolised unity, continuity, and renewal within Oyo land.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers for conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and community mobilisation.
Dignitaries at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the state Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; members of the 10th Oyo Assembly from the Oyo geopolitical zone; top government functionaries; and political leaders.