Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has elevated 14 high chiefs and Baales in Oyoland to the status of crown-wearing Obas, a move his administration says is aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and promoting development but one that has drawn resistance from the Alaafin of Oyo.
The newly elevated traditional rulers were presented with crowns and instruments of office at a ceremony held Friday at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo.
Representing the governor at the event, Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal said the elevation reflects the administration’s commitment to preserving and strengthening traditional institutions across Oyo State.
Among those elevated are the Alago-Oja of Ago Oja, Alajagba of Ajagba, Onimeleke of Imeleke, Alaaguo of Aguo and Alapaara of Apaara. Others include the Alakeetan of Akeetan, Onigudugbu of Gudugbu, Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Onidode of Idode, Onasokun of Oyo, Elepe of Iseke, Babayaji of Oyo, Iba Samu of Oyo and Agbaakin of Oyo.
Lawal described the occasion as a milestone in the preservation of Oyo’s traditional heritage, saying the elevation recognizes the leadership roles of the chiefs and reinforces the importance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding and community development.
“Your ascension to the esteemed status of Crown-Wearing Obas is not only a recognition of your leadership but also a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of our traditional institutions,” Lawal said.
He urged the newly crowned Obas to lead with integrity, fairness and inclusiveness, and to support government initiatives aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
Earlier, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, described the ceremony as historic and culturally significant. He said the Yoruba traditional institution remains central to governance, culture and unity, and praised the governor for approving the elevation.
Dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Monsurat Sunmonu, Secretary to the State Government Professor Musibau Babatunde, lawmakers and other top officials.
However, the move has sparked opposition from the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, who reportedly filed a motion at Nigeria’s Supreme Court challenging the decision.
According to court filings, the Alaafin argues that the elevation of certain stools including the Baale Ago-Oja contradicts prior court judgments. He cited a 2007 High Court ruling and a 2017 Court of Appeal decision that declared the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy stool non-existent.
