A new chapter in the history of chieftaincy in Oyo State was written on Friday as the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, conferred beaded crowns on three Ibadan High Chiefs in absentia.

At the ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, pronounced Mobolaji Adewoyin as Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oyekola Babalola (SAN) as Ekarun Olubadan, and Sarafadeen Alli as Ekarun Balogun.

Makinde said the elevation of the high chiefs and the consequent conferment of beaded crowns were aimed at avoiding “creating a vacuum or distorting the well-structured Ibadan chieftaincy traditional system.”

The event, however, stirred controversy after the Oyo State Government insisted on proceeding despite the Oba Rashidi Ladoja stating that the affected chiefs had formally notified both him and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters of their unavailability.

In a statement issued through his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan said the chiefs had also requested a postponement of the ceremony due to prior engagements.

The government’s decision to go ahead with the event despite their absence has, in recent days, fuelled speculation about possible political undertones, particularly as Alli is believed to be nursing a governorship ambition.

But Makinde maintained that the conferment “whether those to be conferred are present or not” was anchored on due process.

He explained that the presentation of the staff of office to the elevated chiefs complied with the Ibadan chieftaincy declaration and Section 20 (1 and 4) of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State Cap 28, Vol. 1, 2000.

According to him, the law vests the Executive Governor with the authority to confer beaded crowns on elevated high chiefs in Ibadanland, declaring the ceremony duly conducted.

Following their elevation, the high chiefs have now attained Obaship status.

Friday’s event is considered epochal in Ibadan history. A similar occurrence took place in 2017 when the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, elevated 11 members of the Olubadan-in-Council to Obas and conferred beaded crowns on them, although Ladoja then Osi Olubadan boycotted the event in protest.

Speaking further, Makinde described the conferment as sacrosanct, noting that the elevated chiefs attained Obaship status by “merit and tradition of Ibadanland.”

“This ceremony goes beyond formality. It represents a deliberate affirmation of our commitment as a government to uphold the rule of law while preserving the dignity and relevance of our traditional institutions,” he said.

“In line with the provisions of Section 20, Sub-sections (1) and (4) of the Chiefs Law… the Executive Governor is vested with the authority to confer beaded crowns on elevated High Chiefs in Ibadanland; hence, this ceremony is being duly conducted.

“This step has also become necessary to avoid creating a vacuum or distorting the well-structured arrangement of the Ibadan traditional system.”

Makinde charged the newly crowned Obas to lead with integrity and uphold the customs and traditions of their domains.

“To the newly crowned Obas, this honour is both symbolic and demanding. It places upon you a higher obligation to lead with wisdom, demonstrate integrity, and serve as custodians of unity within your respective domains,” he said.

“Ibadanland has, over the years, distinguished itself through a structured and progressive chieftaincy system that commands respect far beyond its boundaries. Today’s event further consolidates that legacy.”

He also assured continued collaboration between the state government and traditional institutions in delivering modern governance.

“On this significant occasion, I congratulate the newly crowned monarchs and wish them reigns defined by peace, stability, and enduring impact,” Makinde added.

The Olubadan was represented at the event by the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola. Other dignitaries present included a member of the House of Representatives, Adepoju Adebayo; the state Chief Judge, Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice O. Olatunji; the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III; and the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola.

Also in attendance were former Minister, Onikepo Akande; the state Head of Service, Bunmi Oni; Secretary to the State Government, Musbau Babatunde; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; and local government chairmen.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, said Ibadanland has long been known for its unique and highly structured traditional system.

“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in the enduring history of the Ibadan traditional institution. It is not merely a ceremonial exercise, but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to preserving our rich cultural heritage,” he said.

He added that the ceremony demonstrated the state government’s commitment to due process, cultural preservation, and adherence to the Chiefs Law.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State criticised the governor over the development.

The party’s Public Relations Officer, Olawale Sadare, said the governor had “written a bad page for himself in the book of history.”

“Governor Makinde made a mockery of the Yoruba traditional institution today when he installed photographs and empty chairs as Obas,” Sadare said.

“He can never have any justification for this shameful act. He has written a bad page for himself in the book of history, and we do not pity him.”