Oyo State’s Governor Seyi Makinde has elevated three High Chiefs in Ibadanland to the status of Obas, despite their absence from the coronation ceremony.
Observers said the development, which they said appeared to have been undertaken “by force by fire” as the trio earlier declined the elevation,” was unprecedented in the history of Yorubaland, as the affected chiefs were not physically present at the event.
The chiefs—Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Akeem Adewoyin; Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Kola Babalola; and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Higj Chief Sharafadeen Alli—had earlier declined the state government’s invitation to attend the ceremony.
They stated that they would not be available to be inducted.
Despite their absence, the governor, represented by his Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal, formally pronounced them as Obas during the event held at Mapo Hall, on Friday.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was also absent but was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
Before their elevation, Oba Sarafadeen Alli, who is currently a serving senator, representing Oyo South at the National Assembly, and the two others, served as High Chiefs in the Olubadan in-council.
Their elevation, however, followed their elevation in the ascension order according to the Oyo state Chiefs’ law.
The Oyo State Government said the elevation of Oba Alli and two other High Chiefs to beaded crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland was necessitated by legal provisions and the need to sustain the long-standing structured order of the ancient city’s traditional system.
Addressing the newly elevated monarchs, Lawal said: “Distinguished newly crowned Kabiyesis, káde ò pé lórí kí bàtà ò pé l’ẹsẹ̀.”
The ceremony was attended by several prominent Ibadan leaders and government officials, including Otun Olubadan, Oba Oba Eddy Oyewole; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekeerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; and Chief Nureni Akanbi.
Others were the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; the Araba of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Adegbola; former Minister of Trade and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande; a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adebayo Adepoju; Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; and the President-General of the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole.
