- Governor Seyi Makinde elevates 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to crown-wearing Obas
- The Staffs and Instruments of Office presented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal at a ceremony in Oyo West LGA
- The Governor says the move strengthens traditional institutions and grassroots development
- Makinde urges monarchs to promote peace, inclusiveness, integrity, and support government programmes
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas, formally presenting them with Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office.
The presentation was carried out on Friday, February 13, by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who represented the governor at a colourful coronation ceremony held at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area.
Among the newly elevated monarchs are 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, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; the Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; and the Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe.
Others elevated include 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.
In his address, delivered by the deputy governor, Makinde said the elevation reflects his administration’s resolve to strengthen traditional institutions and deepen grassroots development.
He congratulated the monarchs, noting that their new status is both an honour and a responsibility.
“The State Government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of 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 characterised by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare in their domains.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the ceremony as historic and culturally significant, stating that it symbolises a reaffirmation of Oyo’s heritage and traditions.
He said the Yoruba traditional institution remains a key pillar of governance 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.”
Ojo commended the governor for approving and sponsoring the coronation, saying installing 14 Obas simultaneously demonstrates unity, continuity and renewal in Oyo land.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers in conflict resolution, cultural preservation and community mobilisation.
Notable dignitaries at the ceremony included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; members of the 10th Oyo Assembly from the Oyo geopolitical zone; government officials and political leaders.
Meanwhile, a legal dispute over one of the chieftaincy stools has reached the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Abuja.
In a motion dated January 30, 2026, filed under Appeal No. SC/404/2018, the Alaafin of Oyo is seeking to restrain the Oyo State Government from creating, recognising or elevating the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy stool pending the determination of an appeal.
The suit was instituted by the late Lamidi Adeyemi III.
The Alaafin is asking the apex court to restrain the governor and the attorney-general from “creating or re-creating, establishing or re-establishing the chieftaincy stool of Baale Ago-Oja” and from “appointing, approving or recognising” Alhaji Ganiyu Busari as holder of the stool.
He is also seeking an order restraining the state government from “recognising or further recognising, dealing or further dealing with” Busari as Baale Ago-Oja, as well as stopping any elevation of the chieftaincy from Part III (Minor Chief) to Part II (Recognised Chief).
In addition, the applicant is asking the court to restrain the respondents from “installing or crowning the appellant as the Oloja of Ago-Oja on February 13, 2026, at Olivet High School, Oyo, or at any other venue whatsoever.”
The motion further urges the court to set aside Oyo State Gazette No. 01, Vol. 50 of January 17, 2025, “in so far as it relates to the elevation of the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy.”
According to the motion, “any attempt to revive, recognise or elevate a chieftaincy stool already declared non-existent by courts of competent jurisdiction amounts to a disregard of subsisting judgments and is capable of prejudicing the appeal now pending before this Honourable Court.”
The applicant therefore urged the apex court to “grant the reliefs sought and make such further orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit in the circumstances of this case.”
The appeal and the accompanying motion are yet to be scheduled for hearing.