Makinde crowns three Ibadan chiefs as Obas despite absence from ceremony
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially conferred the title of Oba on three High Chiefs from Ibadanland, even though they were not present at the coronation ceremony.
The newly elevated monarchs are High Chief Akeem Adewoyin (Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland), High Chief Kola Babalola (Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland), and High Chief Sharafadeen Alli (Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland). All three had previously declined invitations to the ceremony, citing prior commitments.
Representing the governor at Mapo Hall on Friday, Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal formally pronounced the chiefs as Obas. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was also absent but was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
Addressing the new Obas, Lawal remarked: “Distinguished newly crowned Kabiyesis, káde ò pé lórí kí bàtà ò pé l’ẹsẹ̀.”
The event was attended by prominent Ibadan leaders and government officials, including Otun Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekeerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; and Chief Nureni Akanbi.
Other dignitaries included the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; former Minister of Trade and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande; and the President-General of the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole.
This development is considered unprecedented in Ibadan’s history, as the chiefs were elevated in absentia, marking a unique moment in the traditional leadership landscape of Yorubaland.
