- Three Ibadan High Chiefs Decline Elevation Amid Dispute With Oyo Govt
- The dispute centres on the state government’s move to elevate selected High Chiefs to the status of Obas
- Sources within the palace indicated that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, had requested more time to submit a list of eligible chiefs
The crisis between the traditional institution in Ibadanland and the Oyo State Government has deepened, following the decision of three High Chiefs to boycott their planned elevation to Obas.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the affected chiefs l; High Chief Kola Babalola (Ekaarun Olubadan), High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun), and High Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (Ekaarun Balogun) were scheduled to be crowned on Friday.
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Their absence marks a new twist in the standoff involving the Seyi Makinde-led administration and the Ibadan traditional council.
The dispute centres on the state government’s move to elevate selected High Chiefs to the status of Obas, a decision said to have generated disagreement within the traditional hierarchy.
Sources within the palace indicated that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, had requested more time to submit a list of eligible chiefs. However, the state government reportedly proceeded to release names without waiting for the monarch’s input.
The development has drawn resistance from sections of the traditional institution, with some chiefs and prominent Ibadan indigenes reportedly distancing themselves from the exercise.
Confirming the development, the Olubadan’s Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, said the affected chiefs had formally notified the monarch of their inability to attend the coronation and requested a postponement.
He added that the state government had also been informed of their decision.
Oloko, however, downplayed suggestions of a major fallout, insisting that there is no crisis between the Olubadan and the state government.
The situation nonetheless reflects underlying tensions over chieftaincy reforms and the process of traditional title elevation in Ibadanland.
