The Oyo State Government on Friday, April 4, promoted three Ibadan high chiefs during a coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall, despite their absence at the event.
The chiefs, Akeem Adewoyin, Kola Babalola, and Sharafadeen Ali, were not present at the ceremony. Reports indicate that they had earlier communicated their inability to attend through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. However, the reasons for their absence were not disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
Notwithstanding their absence, the state government proceeded with the coronation, with the Deputy Governor, Lawal Adebayo, representing Governor Seyi Makinde, officially conferring the titles on the chiefs in absentia.
“I hereby pronounce as crowned Oba Akeem Adewoyin as Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland. I hereby also pronounce Oba Kola Babalola as Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland. And I hereby pronounce Oba Sharafadeen Alli as Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland,” the deputy governor stated.
No official indication was given that the affected chiefs sent representatives to stand in for them. In his address, the deputy governor emphasized that the elevation remains lawful and in strict adherence to established traditional procedures. He explained that the Ibadan chieftaincy system operates on a rigidly structured lineage that must be followed without deviation.
“The lineage is structured and we cannot jump it, the government cannot jump it, royalty cannot jump it. It is totally structured and we are following due process,” he stated.
He further noted that the conferment aligns with the state government’s commitment to preserving the traditional institution, which continues to serve as a pillar of identity and order in Ibadanland.
Citing Section 20, Subsections I and IV of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law, the deputy governor affirmed that the governor is empowered to confer beaded crowns on elevated chiefs within the Ibadan traditional system.
He reiterated that the process of elevation is strictly based on rotation and promotion, warning that any disruption to the established order could destabilize the entire chieftaincy structure.
“It is sacrosanct that it is by elevation and promotion. It is by rotation and promotion, and any disturbance on the system will affect the line from top to down. This administration will frown at anything that will disturb the laid down culture and tradition of Ibadanland,” he added.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, who represented the Olubadan; the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Eddy Oyewole-Foko; and the Osi Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi, among others.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the affected chiefs nor the state government had issued any further public statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding their absence.
