UPDATE: Oyo govt proceeds with Ibadan coronation despite absence of chiefs

BY Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government on Friday proceeded with the coronation of selected high chiefs in Ibadan despite the absence of three senior chiefs who had requested a postponement.

The ceremony, held at the historic Mapo Hall, attracted dignitaries, traditional leaders and government officials, signalling the state’s decision to maintain the earlier schedule.

The absent chiefs — Sharafadeen Alli, Adebayo Akande and Lateef Oyelade — had earlier notified authorities of their unavailability and appealed for the coronation to be postponed.

Their request followed a statement issued by the palace of the Oba Rashidi Ladoja, confirming that the affected chiefs formally communicated their inability to attend through the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

Despite the notification, the state government insisted that the coronation should proceed as planned, emphasising its commitment to continuity in traditional administrative processes across Ibadanland.

During the ceremony, members of the Olubadan-in-Council were present, led by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Jajudeen Ajibola, who represented the Olubadan.

Also notably absent was the Oba Abimbola Owoade, whose non-attendance added to the list of high-profile figures missing at the event.

Meanwhile, the Olubadan’s palace had earlier dismissed reports of a rift between the monarch and the state government, reiterating that the Seyi Makinde administration and the Olubadan remain on cordial terms.

Details later…