Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said that the elevation of three Ibadan high chiefs and their subsequent conferment with beaded crowns was necessary to avoid creating a vacuum or distorting the well-structured arrangement of the Ibadan traditional system, noting that the traditional institution remains a vital pillar of the society, providing continuity, stability, and a sense of identity for the people.
The governor said this at the presentation of the staff and instruments of the office to three new crown-wearing royal fathers in Ibadanland on Friday, April 3, stating that his administration will ensure tradition and modern governance work hand in hand to deliver meaningful progress to the state.
The event was held at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The newly-elevated royal fathers are the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin; Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oyekola Babalola, SAN; and the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli.
Presenting the instruments of the office to them, Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, said the conferment of the beaded crowns on the High Chiefs represented a deliberate affirmation of the governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while preserving the dignity and relevance of the traditional institutions.
He stressed that the approval of the conferment is firmly anchored in the Chiefs Law of Oyo State and guided by the established customs of Ibadanland.
The governor congratulated the newly-crowned Royal Fathers, assuring that his administration will continue to strengthen its collaboration with traditional rulers as key partners in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the state.
He equally noted the presentation of instruments of office to the newly-crowned Royal Fathers was in recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation that the current administration will continue to see the traditional institution as relevant in governance, peacebuilding and community development.
He said: “There are moments in the life of people when history, culture, and governance converge to produce an enduring legacy. Today is one of such moments.
“We are not merely gathered to witness a ceremonial rite; we are here to affirm a system that has, for generations, provided structure, order, and identity to Ibadanland. The elevation of these High Chiefs and their subsequent conferment with beaded crowns speak to a tradition that evolves without losing its essence.
“Today marks a defining moment in the evolution of the Ibadan traditional institution and indeed, in the cultural history of Oyo State. It is, therefore, a privilege to join you in witnessing the conferment of beaded crowns on distinguished High Chiefs who have, by merit and tradition, ascended to this revered status.
“This ceremony represents a deliberate affirmation of our commitment as a government to uphold the rule of law while preserving the dignity and relevance of our traditional institutions.
“The approval of this conferment is firmly anchored in the Chiefs Ław of Oyo State and guided by the established customs of Ibadanland.
“In line with the provisions of Section 20, Sub-sections (1) and (4) of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Vol.1, Law of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000 and by virtue of all other powers enabling in that behalf vests the Executive Governor with the authority to confer beaded crowns on elevated High Chiefs in Ibadanland, hence, this ceremony is being duly conducted.
“This step has also become necessary to avoid creating a vacuum or distorting the well-structured arrangement of the Ibadan traditional system.
“The traditional Institution remains a vital pillar of our society, thereby providing continuity, stability, and a sense of identity for our people. In recognition of this, our administration will continue to strengthen its collaboration with traditional rulers as key partners in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the state.”
The governor urged the new Obas to see their elevation as a call to greater responsibility and service to Ibadanland and Oyo State, saying: “To the newly crowned Obas, this honour is both symbolic and demanding.
“It places upon you a higher obligation to lead with wisdom, demonstrate integrity, and serve as custodians of unity within your respective domains. Your conduct in office will not only define your reigns but will also shape the confidence reposed in the traditional system of Ibadanland as a whole.”
In his remarks before the official coronation and presentation of staff of office, former Governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, acknowledged that the elevation was in line with the Ibadan traditional system and the dignity associated with it.
He said: “I want to thank the governor for doing this and for what he has been doing before now. In his time, we are more educated than before if you critically look at the issue of chieftaincy matters of Ibadan. So, we appreciate what he has been doing. So, I am happy with this development.”
He appreciated Governor Makinde for his continuous effort in giving the Ibadan traditional institution the pride of place it deserves in the South-West and Nigeria.
Also in his goodwill message, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole, lauded Governor Makinde for what he has been doing to elevate Ibadanland.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Ademola Ojo, said that the event marked a significant milestone in the enduring history of the Ibadan traditional institution, as it represented not just the coronation of royal fathers but a reaffirmation to the collective commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage and time-honoured traditions that define the people and also demonstrated the state government’s commitment to due process, cultural preservation, and adherence to the provisions of the Chiefs’ Law.
He added that the Ibadan traditional system commands respect across Yorubaland and that the occasion further strengthens the legacy and reinforces the bond between the government and the traditional institution.
The commissioner commended Governor Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the traditional institution, who he considers as a critical partner in governance, peacebuilding, and grassroots development.
While congratulating the new Obas, he reaffirmed the government’s support to the traditional rulers in promoting peace, development and good governance at the grassroots and continuing to build a society rooted in culture, guided by wisdom and driven by progress.
The event had in attendance the member representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon (Dr) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju; former Minister of Trade and Investment, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima represented by Hon. Justice O.O. Olatunji; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi; Commissioners; Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese; members of the Olubadan-in-Council; traditional rulers and the Maye Olubadan, High Chief Akinade Fijabi.
Others were the PDP state chairman, Hon Dayo Ogungbenro; Chief Bayo Oyero, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN; Oloye Nureni Akanbi; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda and service commanders, among other dignitaries.
