Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, has elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas, reinforcing the role of traditional institutions in governance and grassroots development.
The coronation ceremony, held in Oyo West Local Government Area, saw the presentation of Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office to the newly installed monarchs. The event was conducted on the governor’s behalf by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal at a colourful gathering attended by dignitaries, political leaders, and traditional rulers.
List of Newly Crowned Obas in Oyo
The monarchs elevated to Obas include:
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
Oba Tijani Ajeigbe – Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara
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
Oba Abel Oyekan – Elepe of Iseke
Makinde: Traditional Rulers Are Partners in Progress
In a speech read on his behalf, Governor Makinde said the elevation underscores his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions, promoting peace, and enhancing grassroots governance in Oyo State.
He described the ascension of the chiefs to crown-wearing Obas as recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of Yoruba traditional institutions in peacebuilding 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,” he stated.
Makinde urged the new monarchs to uphold integrity, fairness, and inclusiveness in their domains, and to support government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
Yoruba Traditional Institution Central to Governance
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the event as historic and culturally significant, noting that it symbolised unity, continuity, and renewal within Oyo land.
He emphasised that the Yoruba traditional institution—one of the oldest and most revered in Africa—remains central to governance, culture, and unity in the state.
According to him, the beaded crown represents sacred authority, service, and divine responsibility, urging the monarchs to lead with integrity and compassion.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Among dignitaries present was the Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade. Also in attendance were former Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu, members of the 10th Oyo State Assembly from the Oyo geopolitical zone, top government officials, and political leaders.
Supreme Court Asked to Restrain Oyo Government Over Ago-Oja Chieftaincy
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has been asked to restrain the Oyo State Government from creating, recognising, or elevating the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy stool pending the determination of an appeal before it.
In a motion dated January 30, 2026, filed in Appeal No. SC/404/2018, the Alaafin of Oyo is seeking interlocutory and mandatory injunctions against the Oyo State Governor and the Attorney-General.
The suit was instituted by the late Lamidi Adeyemi III.
Reliefs Sought Before the Apex Court
The Alaafin is asking the court to:
Restrain the state government from creating or re-establishing the Baale Ago-Oja stool.
Stop the appointment or recognition of Alhaji Ganiyu Busari as Baale Ago-Oja.
Prevent any elevation of the chieftaincy from Part III (Minor Chief) to Part II (Recognised Chief).
Set aside Oyo State Gazette No. 01, Vol. 50 of January 17, 2025, as it relates to the Ago-Oja chieftaincy.
The motion argues that reviving or elevating a chieftaincy previously declared non-existent by competent courts could prejudice the pending appeal and amount to disregard of subsisting judgments.
The appeal and accompanying motion are yet to be fixed for hearing.
