Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has presented staff and instruments of office to three newly elevated Ibadan High Chiefs in absentia, a development that has drawn attention to the evolving dynamics of the city’s traditional institution.
The coronation ceremony, held at the historic Mapo Hall on Friday, saw the formal recognition of the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin; Ekarun Olubadan, Oba Oyekola Babalola (SAN); and Ekarun Balogun, Oba Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, despite their absence from the event.
It was also gathered that the governor , the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1 and the three elevated High Chiefs were conspicuously absent at the ceremony.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Chief Bayo Lawal, Governor Makinde defended the decision to proceed with the conferment, stressing that the exercise was firmly rooted in the Chiefs Law of Oyo State and in line with the customs of Ibadanland.
He maintained that the absence of the newly crowned Obas did not invalidate the process, noting that the elevation was necessary to sustain the continuity of the Ibadan traditional hierarchy and prevent any vacuum within its well-structured system.
“This ceremony 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,” the governor stated.
Makinde explained that the conferment of beaded crowns reflects a tradition that continues to evolve, adding that governance and culture must work together to deliver meaningful progress across the state.
The development has, however, sparked conversations within traditional and public circles, as the crowning of monarchs in absentia is considered unusual in the deeply symbolic Ibadan chieftaincy system, where physical presence often underscores legitimacy and communal acceptance.
Despite this, the state government insisted that due process was strictly followed, citing provisions of the Chiefs Law which empower the governor to approve and formalize such elevations.
Also speaking, the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, praised the administration for sustaining the prominence of Ibadanland within the South-West region.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, described the event as a significant milestone, underscoring the government’s commitment to cultural preservation and adherence to legal frameworks.
While the absence of the newly crowned Obas remains a focal point of public discourse, the state government reiterated its position that the exercise was both lawful and necessary, urging stakeholders to view it as part of the broader effort to balance tradition with administrative continuity.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries, reinforcing the importance of the occasion in Oyo State’s cultural and governance.
