- Historic Shift in Yorubaland as Ibadan Chiefs Elevated to Obas in Absentia
- The affected chiefs had earlier declined participation in the event, citing their unavailability
- The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including traditional leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the elevation of three High Chiefs in Ibadanland to the status of Obas, despite their absence at the coronation ceremony.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the affected chiefs; Akeem Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun), Kola Babalola (Ekaarun Olubadan), and Sharafadeen Alli (Ekaarun Balogun) had earlier declined participation in the event, citing their unavailability.
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In a move described as unprecedented in Yorubaland, the governor, represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, proceeded to pronounce them as Obas during the ceremony held on Friday.
Also absent at the event was the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola.
Despite the absence of the newly elevated chiefs, the deputy governor formally conferred the traditional titles on them, declaring them Obas in line with the state government’s directive.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including traditional leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders.
The development comes amid ongoing tensions between the Oyo State Government and elements within the traditional institution in Ibadanland over the elevation process, raising concerns about the evolving dynamics between political authority and traditional structures in the state.
