Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has elevated 14 high chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas.
The affected high chiefs and Baales were presented with their instruments of office by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, on behalf of the governor at a colourful coronation ceremony held at the premises of Oliveth Heights, Oyo, on Friday.
Makinde, in a speech read on his behalf, said the elevation of the chiefs underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace and development at the grassroots.
He congratulated the newly crowned monarchs, noting that their ascension to the status of crown-wearing Obas was both a recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding and grassroots community development.
According to him, 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 urged the monarchs to uphold integrity, fairness and service to their people, stressing that their reigns should be characterised by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare in their domains.
He added that the synergy between government and traditional rulers remains vital in addressing security challenges, promoting unity and accelerating grassroots development.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, described the event as historic and culturally significant, saying it represented not just the installation of royal fathers but a reaffirmation of Oyo’s rich heritage and enduring traditions.
He said the Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest and most revered in Africa, remains central to governance, culture and unity in Oyo land.
The beaded crown, he noted, is a sacred symbol of authority, service and divine responsibility, and those who wear it are called to lead with integrity, courage and compassion.
Ojo commended Governor Makinde for approving and sponsoring the programme, adding that the coronation of 14 Obas at once symbolised unity, continuity and renewal within Oyo land.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers for conflict resolution, cultural preservation and community mobilisation.
The newly elevated monarchs include the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; the Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; the Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; the Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye; the Onimileke of Imileke, Oyo, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oyo, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; the Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; and the Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe.
Others are the Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff; the Iba Samu of the Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari; the Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh; the Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan; and the Agbaakin of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the official presentation of instruments of office, comprising the staff and certificates, as well as the formal crowning of the monarchs.
Present at the event were the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; members of the 10th Oyo State Assembly from the Oyo geopolitical zone; top government functionaries; and political leaders.
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