In a ceremony that blended tradition, law, and symbolism, the Oyo State Government on Friday elevated three prominent high chiefs in Ibadanland to the status of crowned kings, even in their absence, underscoring the rigidity and continuity of the ancient Ibadan chieftaincy system.
Those elevated are the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli; the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Oyekola Babalola (SAN); and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.
The coronation ceremony, held at the historic Mapo Hall Grounds, proceeded without the physical presence of the newly crowned monarchs—a development that drew attention but did not stall proceedings, as government officials emphasized the legality and inevitability of the process.
Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, described the event as far more than ceremonial, framing it as a reaffirmation of Ibadan’s deeply structured traditional hierarchy.
“The lineage is totally structured, and we are following due process. For Ibadan people, history, culture, and governance converge to produce an enduring legacy,” Lawal declared.
He stressed that the conferment of beaded crowns on the elevated chiefs reflects a tradition that has preserved its core essence while adapting to contemporary governance realities. According to him, the exercise marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Ibadan traditional institution and Oyo State’s cultural history.
Despite the absence of the beneficiaries, Lawal maintained that the coronation remains valid and binding, citing provisions of the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. He explained that the governor is empowered under Section 20 of the law to approve such elevations, noting that the action was necessary to prevent any vacuum within the well-ordered hierarchy of Ibadanland.
“This ceremony was deliberately conducted to uphold the rule of law and sustain the dignity of our traditional system. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring that tradition and governance work hand in hand for societal progress,” he added.
The Deputy Governor further highlighted the central role of traditional institutions in maintaining societal stability, pledging continued collaboration between the government and royal authorities to promote peace, security, and development across the state.
Addressing the newly crowned kings, he described their elevation as both an honour and a responsibility, urging them to embody integrity, wisdom, and leadership as custodians of Ibadan’s heritage.
He also reiterated that the Ibadan chieftaincy system anchored on elevation, promotion, and rotation must remain undisturbed, warning that any disruption could destabilize the entire traditional structure.
Representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, commended the state government for strengthening the traditional institution through the elevation.
The event attracted a high-profile gathering of government officials, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders, reflecting the significance of the occasion within Oyo State’s socio-political landscape.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ojo Ademola Obafemi, said the coronation reinforces the enduring partnership between government and traditional authorities. He praised the administration’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while leveraging traditional institutions for grassroots development.
Obafemi extended congratulations to the newly crowned kings, noting that their elevation is a recognition of their standing within the Ibadan traditional system, even as they were not physically present at the historic ceremony.
Friday’s event once again spotlighted Ibadanland’s unique and highly organized chieftaincy structure—one widely regarded as among the most systematic traditional governance models in Nigeria.
