Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has elevated 14 high chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas, formally presenting them with their instruments of office in a historic ceremony held on Friday, February 13, at Oliveth Baptist High School, Oyo, Egalitarian Voice reports.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, said the elevation was part of the Makinde administration’s deliberate effort to strengthen traditional institutions, deepen grassroots governance, and promote peace and sustainable development across the state.
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According to him, the decision to elevate the chiefs was rooted in government’s recognition of traditional rulers as custodians of culture, promoters of unity, and critical partners in governance.
“This elevation underscores the commitment of the Oyo State Government to strengthening traditional institutions and fostering peace and development at the grassroots,” Lawal said.
He congratulated the newly crowned monarchs, describing their elevation as both a recognition of their leadership roles and a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding, and community development.
The deputy governor noted that the state government holds traditional rulers in high esteem, stressing that their influence remains vital in maintaining harmony and mobilising communities for development.
“Traditional rulers are partners in progress. Their roles in promoting unity, preserving culture and supporting government policies cannot be overemphasised,” he added.
Lawal urged the monarchs to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, fairness, and dedication to service, emphasising that their reigns should be marked by peace, inclusiveness, and support for programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
He further stated that effective collaboration between government and traditional rulers remained crucial in tackling security challenges, promoting unity, and accelerating development at the grassroots level.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, described the ceremony as historic and culturally significant, noting that it symbolised a reaffirmation of Oyo’s rich heritage and enduring traditions.
He explained that the Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest in Africa, continues to play a central role in governance, culture, and unity in Oyo land.
According to him, the beaded crown is a sacred symbol of authority and service, calling on those who wear it to lead with integrity, courage, and compassion.
Ojo commended Governor Makinde for approving and sponsoring the event, adding that the coronation of multiple Obas at once reflected unity, continuity, and renewal within Oyo land.
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The newly elevated monarchs include the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye; Onimileke of Imileke, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe; Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff; Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari; Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh; Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; and the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of instruments of office, including staffs and certificates, alongside the formal crowning of the monarchs.
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Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, members of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly from the Oyo zone, top government officials, political leaders, and traditional stakeholders from across the state.
[ Egalitarian Voice reports]
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