Makinde elevates 14 Oyo high chiefs to Obas, presents staff of office

He urged the monarchs to uphold integrity, fairness and service to their people, stressing that their reigns should be characterized by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens' welfare in their domains.

He added that the synergy between government and traditional rulers remained vital in addressing security challenges, promoting unity and accelerating grassroots development.

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Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, described the event as historic and culturally significant, saying it represented not just the installation of royal fathers but a reaffirmation of Oyo's rich heritage and enduring traditions.

He said the Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest and most revered in Africa, remains central to governance, culture and unity in Oyo land.

The beaded crown, he noted, is a sacred symbol of authority, service and divine responsibility, and those who wear it are called to lead with integrity, courage and compassion.

Ojo commended Governor Makinde for approving and sponsoring the programme, adding that the coronation of 14 Obas at once symbolised unity, continuity and renewal within Oyo land.

He reaffirmed government's commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers for conflict resolution, cultural preservation and community mobilisation.

The coronation proceeded despite a motion on notice dated 30 January 2026, filed in Appeal No. SC/404/2018 before the Supreme Court in Abuja, a suit originally instituted by the late Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III. The application, anchored on Order 2 Rule 28(1) of the Supreme Court Rules 2014 (as amended) and Section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, sought interlocutory and mandatory injunctions restraining the governor and the state Attorney-General from creating or re-establishing the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy, recognising or further recognising Alhaji Ganiyu Busari, upgrading the stool from Part III (Minor Chief) to Part II (Recognised Chief), and installing or crowning him as Oloja of Ago-Oja. It also prayed the apex court to nullify Oyo State Gazette No. 01, Vol. 50 of 17 January 2025, insofar as it relates to the elevation of the Baale Ago-Oja stool.

Arguing through his counsel, Adeola Omotunde (SAN), the Alaafin maintained that the chieftaincy had already been declared non-existent by the Oyo State High Court in its judgment of 31 July 2007 in Suit No. HOY/46/2006, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, on 8 December 2017 in Appeal No. CA/I/90/2008. The High Court had specifically ruled that the title “Baale of Ago-Oja” did not exist within Atiba Local Government Area and restrained the state from recognising or engaging with Busari in that capacity. Although Busari challenged the ruling, his appeal was dismissed, leaving the matter pending before the Supreme Court, where it has yet to be scheduled for hearing.

In a letter dated February 8, 2026 to the governor, counsel to the Alaafin cautioned that proceeding with the coronation would amount to illegality and possible contempt of court, stressing that reviving a chieftaincy previously declared non-existent by competent courts could erode the authority of subsisting judgments.

The state government, however, justified the exercise, with Governor Makinde stating in a speech delivered on his behalf that the elevations reflect his administration's resolve to strengthen traditional institutions, foster peace, and deepen grassroots development, while urging the newly crowned monarchs to act as responsible custodians of culture and partners in progress.

The newly elevated monarchs include the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; the Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; the Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; the Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye; the Onimileke of Imileke Oyo, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu Oyo, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; the Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; and the Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe.

Others are the Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff; the Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari; the Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh; the Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan, and the Agbaakin of Oyo; Oba Asimiyu Jimoh.

Major highlight of the ceremony was the official presentation of instruments of office comprising the staff and certificates as well as the formal crowning of the monarchs.

Present at the event were the Olubadan of Ibadanland represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, former Speaker of Oyo state Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, members of 10th Oyo Assembly from Oyo geopolitical zone, top government functionaries and political leaders.