Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday 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 at a colourful ceremony.
The event, held at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area, was conducted on the governor’s behalf by his deputy, Bayo Lawal.
Among those elevated are Oba David Oyediran (Alaaguo of Aguoland), Oba Afonja Mukaila (Baba Eyaji of Oyo), Oba Samuel Odurinde (Alajagba of Oyo), Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye (Ona-Isokun of Oyo), Oba Fakayode Alowonle (Onimileke of Imileke), Oba Salawu Oyeniran (Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu), Oba Olaniyi Adegboye (Oloodu of Ojongbodu), and Oba Tijani Ajeigbe (Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara).
Others include Oba Oyeleke Yusuff (Onidode of Idodeland), Oba Lamidi Jimoh (Iba Samu of Oyo Empire), Oba Ganiyu Busari (Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land), Oba Asimiyu Jimoh (Agbaaki of Oyo), Oba Jimoh Oyeleye (Alakeitan of Akeitan), and Oba Abel Oyekan (Elepe of Iseke).
In his address, read by the deputy governor, Makinde said the elevation reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting grassroots peace and development.
He congratulated the newly crowned monarchs, describing their new status as recognition of their leadership roles and a reaffirmation of the importance of traditional institutions in governance and community development.
“The State Government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of unity and partners in progress,” the governor stated, urging the monarchs to rule with integrity, fairness and a strong sense of service.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the ceremony as historic and culturally significant, noting that the beaded crown symbolises authority, service and divine responsibility within the Yoruba traditional system.
He commended the governor for approving the elevation of the 14 monarchs at once, saying it symbolised unity and continuity in Oyo land. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers on conflict resolution, cultural preservation and community mobilisation.
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; lawmakers from the Oyo geopolitical zone; and other political and government leaders.
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