History was made in Ibadan on Friday as the Oyo State Government conferred Obaship status on three prominent Ibadan High Chiefs—despite their absence at the ceremony held at Mapo Hall.
Those elevated include Sarafadeen Alli, now Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Oyekola Babalola, installed as Ekarun Olubadan; and Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, who was conferred with the title of Ekerin Balogun.
The event, attended by top government officials and traditional rulers, underscored the enduring significance of Ibadan’s traditional institution. Among dignitaries present were Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musbau Babatunde; Commissioners Ademola Ojo and Wasiu Olatunbosun; and Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Seyi Makinde described the ceremony as a defining moment where history, culture, and governance intersect.
“We are not merely gathered to witness a ceremonial rite; we are here to affirm a system that has, for generations, provided structure, order, and identity to Ibadanland,” the governor said.
Makinde stressed that the conferment, carried out in line with the Chiefs’ Law of Oyo State, reflects the government’s commitment to preserving tradition while upholding the rule of law. He urged the newly crowned Obas to lead with wisdom, integrity, and a strong sense of unity.
The ceremony, however, was not without drama.
A mild stir erupted when members of the Olubadan-in-Council began arriving at the venue, drawing attention from attendees. The atmosphere further shifted with the symbolic arrival of the staff of office of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented at the event by Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
The staff’s presence signified the monarch’s authority by proxy, despite his physical absence. The Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, later explained through his representative that his absence was due to circumstances beyond his control, not a sign of disrespect.
Earlier, the palace had reportedly requested a postponement of the coronation, citing the unavailability of the three chiefs. However, the state government proceeded with the ceremony as scheduled, raising questions about the evolving dynamics between tradition and state authority.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the event as a historic reaffirmation of Ibadan’s unique and structured chieftaincy system.
Also speaking, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, praised the peaceful and orderly traditional system of the ancient city.
The ceremony officially commenced at about 11:25 a.m. following the arrival of Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, marking a significant chapter in Ibadan’s cultural history.
Despite the successful conferment, uncertainty lingers over the implications of crowning the chiefs in absentia, as the intersection of power, politics, and tradition continues to shape the future of Ibadanland’s revered institution.
