The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas, presenting them with Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office at a colourful coronation ceremony.
The state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, handed over the official regalia on behalf of Makinde at the event held at Oliveth Heights, Oyo West Local Government Area.
The newly crowned monarchs include:
- Alaaguo of Aguoland: Oba David Oyediran
- Baba Eyaji of Oyo: Oba Afonja Mukaila
- Alajagba of Oyo: Oba Samuel Odurinde
- Ona-Isokun of Oyo: Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye
- Onimileke of Imileke: Oba Fakayode Alowonle
- Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu: Oba Salawu Oyeniran
- Oloodu of Ojongbodu: Oba Olaniyi Adegboye
- Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara: Oba Tijani Ajeigbe
- Onidode of Idodeland: Oba Oyeleke Yusuff
- Iba Samu of Oyo Empire: Oba Lamidi Jimoh
- Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land: Oba Ganiyu Busari
- Agbaaki of Oyo: Oba Asimiyu Jimoh
- Alakeitan of Akeitan: Oba Jimoh Oyeleye
- Elepe of Iseke: Oba Abel Oyekan
In a speech read by the deputy governor, Makinde highlighted that the elevation reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace, unity, and grassroots 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,” Makinde said. “I urge the newly crowned Obas to uphold integrity, fairness, and service to their people. Your reigns should promote peace, inclusiveness, and support for government programs aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.”
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the ceremony as historic and culturally significant, noting that the Yoruba traditional institution remains central to governance, culture, and unity in Oyo land. “The beaded crown is a sacred symbol of authority, service, and divine responsibility. Those who wear it must lead with integrity, courage, and compassion,” he said.
Dignitaries at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, former Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu, members of the 10th Oyo Assembly from the Oyo geopolitical zone, and top state officials.
Legal challenge Surrounding Baale Ago-Oja
The coronation comes amid a pending legal dispute over the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy. The Supreme Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has been asked to restrain the state government from creating, recognising, or elevating the stool, pending the determination of an appeal.
The motion, filed on January 30, 2026, in Appeal No. SC/404/2018, was instituted by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. It seeks interlocutory and mandatory injunctions against Governor Makinde and the state Attorney-General to prevent the recognition or installation of Alhaji Ganiyu Busari as Baale Ago-Oja.
The applicant argues that any elevation or recognition of the chieftaincy stool, already declared non-existent by courts, would disregard existing judgments and prejudice the pending appeal. The appeal and accompanying motion are yet to be fixed for hearing.
