By Our Correspondent

National News – Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted that the planned coronation of newly elevated crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland will proceed despite reports that the affected traditional chiefs may boycott the ceremony.

The event, scheduled for Friday at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, involves three prominent Ibadan high chiefs who were recently promoted in the traditional hierarchy.

The ceremony will see the formal presentation of the staff of office to Senator Sharafadeen Alli, alongside chiefs Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola, following their elevation to crown-wearing monarchs within Ibadan’s traditional council structure.

According to the state government, the coronation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and preserve cultural heritage across Oyo State.

However, sources close to the Ibadan traditional establishment revealed that the newly promoted chiefs were unlikely to attend the ceremony due to several reasons, including scheduling conflicts, travel engagements, and dissatisfaction with the short notice reportedly given by the government.

One source disclosed that one of the chiefs is currently outside the country for medical treatment, while another is engaged in national duties in Abuja.

The source added that preparations were also noticeably absent at family compounds associated with the incoming monarchs, suggesting that the coronation may not proceed as originally planned.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, confirmed that the three high chiefs had formally informed him of their unavailability and requested that the ceremony be postponed.

He noted that the situation had already been communicated to the state government through the appropriate ministry.

Despite these developments, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, maintained that the government would go ahead with the event as announced.

He argued that public announcements about the ceremony had already been widely broadcast and preparations remained in place.

Meanwhile, the media aide to the Olubadan dismissed speculation of a rift between Governor Makinde and the monarch, clarifying that both leaders remain in good terms and that the king’s earlier trip to Lagos was unrelated to the coronation controversy.

Observers believe the situation highlights the delicate balance between government authority and traditional institutions in Ibadan’s historic chieftaincy system.