Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde on Friday elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of beaded crown-wearing Obas.
Presenting them with their instruments of office at the coronation ceremony held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, Governor Makinde revealed that the elevation of the chiefs underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and development at the grassroots.
Represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, the governor 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.
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 characterized by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare in their domains.
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 symbolized unity, continuity and renewal within Oyo Land.
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 Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari Ajiboye; the Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan, and the Agbaakin of Oyo; Oba Asimiyu Jimoh.
Present at the event were the Olubadan of IbadanLand, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, former Speaker of Oyo state Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, members of the 10th Oyo Assembly from Oyo geopolitical zone, top government functionaries, political leaders among others.
