- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has insisted on the coronation of Ibadan high chiefs will proceed despite boycott signals
- The chiefs including Sharafadeen Alli, Bolaji Adewoyin, and Kola Babalola are slated to be elevated to crown-wearing Obas.
- Reports indicate that none of the three chiefs may attend due to travel, health, and official commitments
The Oyo State Governor,Seyi Makinde, is set to proceed with the planned coronation of newly elevated Ibadan high chiefs despite indications that the honourees may boycott the event.
The Oyo State government announced that the formal presentation of staff of office to the crown-wearing Obas will take place on Friday, April 3, at Mapo Hall.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, those slated for coronation include Sharafadeen Alli, who has been elevated to Ekaarun Balogun, alongside Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola, now Ekeerin Olubadan and Ekaarun Olubadan respectively.
Their elevation places them in the rank of crown-wearing Obas within the Ibadan traditional system, strengthening their roles in the state’s traditional council.
Despite the preparations, sources within Ibadan revealed that the three high chiefs may not attend the ceremony.
Observations at family compounds, including Alli’s residence in Oke-Aremo, showed no signs of celebration or readiness for a coronation.
One insider said, “You will remember that the government just sent a letter or a memo to Olubadan last week. Kabiyesi informed all the affected high chiefs immediately.
“To be candid, I don’t know their responses. But when I was talking to one of them on the phone last night (Wednesday) to congratulate him and find out about the preparation, he only said, ‘My brother, don’t disturb yourself because I won’t be around.’”
Another source cited logistical and personal reasons for their absence:
“The three of them will not go. First, Baba Ladoja is not in town. Kabiyesi is currently in Lagos. One of the promoted high chiefs is currently out of the country for medical treatment, while Senator Alli is in Abuja on national assignment. So, who are you expecting there?”
Further findings suggest dissatisfaction among the chiefs due to the short notice given by the government, with some insiders hinting at political undertones surrounding the exercise.
Speaking on the development, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, clarified the situation, saying:
“I’m in good health. I truly went to Lagos, but I’m back home now. I just finished eating ‘Amala and abula’ (Yoruba traditional soup).
“I only went to Lagos with my daughter. My trip to Lagos is personal. So, I’m right now in my house.
“I had earlier scheduled a Lagos journey before, but I’m back home now. Those three that the government wanted to present with beaded crown-wearing Obas said they were not available.
“The first person said he is in Canada for medical treatment; the second person is on a national assignment. So, who do they want to install as new Obas?”
Despite the uncertainty, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, insisted that the ceremony would proceed as planned.
“If the government will not go ahead with the programme, will it be placing an announcement that it is holding the programme? The announcement is all over the air now. So, the coronation will go ahead as planned,” he said.
The state government also defended its record, noting that the Makinde administration has installed 12 kings and over 40 Baales since 2019.
In a separate clarification, Olubadan's media aide dismissed speculations of a rift between the monarch and the governor, stating that the absence of the chiefs was formally communicated.
“The attention of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has been drawn to trending news that there is a rift between His Excellency, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and Kabiyesi Olubadan.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that there is no rift between Kabiyesi and Olori Omo Oba of Ibadanland.
“In addition, the Olubadan did not travel out of Ibadan to avoid the coronation ceremony slated for today (Friday).
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that Kabiyesi is hale and hearty in Ibadan, and performing the role expected of him as Olubadan.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the three concerned high chiefs due to be crowned have formally informed the Olubadan that they would be unavailable, and have, therefore, asked for postponement.
“This information has been duly communicated to the state government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.”