Senator Alli, two Ibadan high chiefs set for beaded crown coronation
Barring any last-minute changes, Senator Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli and two other recently elevated Ibadan High Chiefs—Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola—are set to be coronated as beaded crown-wearing Obas at
- From Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan
Barring any last-minute changes, Senator Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli and two other recently elevated Ibadan High Chiefs—Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola—are set to be coronated as beaded crown-wearing Obas at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, next Friday.
The development follows approval by the Oyo State Government of a request by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, for the elevation of the trio.
A government memo, dated March 26, 2026, and referenced CB.211/10Vol IT/67, confirmed the approval of the monarch’s recommendation for the promotion of the high chiefs to beaded crown-wearing Obas.
The memo, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, has since circulated widely on social media.
The planned coronation marks a significant step within the traditional chieftaincy structure in Ibadanland, reflecting ongoing adjustments to the hierarchy under the Olubadan system.
The memo read in part, "I have the directive to refer to Your Majesty's correspondence ref no L/ADV/Co/1242/843 dated 23rd March, 2026 in respect of the above and to inform Your Majesty that while arranging the compilation of the High Chiefs and Baales who are due for beaded crown wearing in Ibadanland as requested.
"It is traditionally necessary and very essential at this point in time that the newly elevated Chiefs in Olubadan in Council i.e. High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin, Ekeerin Olubadan, High Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Ali, Ekaarun Balogun and High Chief Kola Babalola, Ekaarun Olubadan should be immediately conferred with beaded crowns in order to avoid unnecessary insinuation that the delay is deliberate and political.
"This is necessary in order to and protect the Ibadan traditional institution.
"To this end, Your Majesty is hereby informed that the coronation/crownwearing programne for the above-mentioned High Chiefs has been fixed for Friday, 3rd April 2026 at the Mapo Hall Ibadan.
"The promotion of the affected High Chiefs is in line with the 2024 Chieftancy law as amended."
With the promotion, the affected High Chiefs have become members of the Olubadan Advisory Council.
When contacted to confirm the authenticity of the viral memo, the Commissioner said he was not aware of any leaked memo online but that there have been several communications between the government through the Ministry with the Olubadan in the course of the week.
He advised The Nation to confirm with the Palace of the Olubadan if they received any such correspondence.
Also contacted on the phone, the media aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Adeola Oloko, confirmed the receipt of the letter to the effect from the state government.
He said, "The palace has received the letter confirming the promotion of the three High Chiefs to the status of beaded crown wearers. The letter has been forwarded to the beneficiaries."
With the development, Alli may likely be out of the 2027 Oyo state gubernatorial race, with his crowning as the Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland next week, Friday.
Alli, a prominent APC gubernatorial aspirant, is a top contender for the ticket, but the Olubadan Chieftaincy law does not permit traditional rulers to be involved in partisan politics.
It remains unclear if Alli will be expected to even vacate his seat in the upper chambers of the National Assembly upon his coronation.
