Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday formally elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to crown-wearing Obas, presenting them with Staffs and Instruments of Office during a vibrant coronation ceremony
The event, held at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area, saw the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, represent the governor and perform the official presentation.
Those elevated 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, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, 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; and the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Makinde said the decision to elevate the chiefs reflected his administration’s resolve to reinforce traditional institutions and deepen development at the grassroots. He described the new status of the monarchs as recognition of their leadership roles and the continued importance of traditional authority in governance, peacebuilding and community advancement.
“The State Government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of unity and partners in progress.
“I want to urge you all (the monarchs) to uphold integrity, fairness and service to your people. Your reigns should be characterized by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare in their domains.”
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, said the ceremony marked a significant cultural milestone for Oyo. He noted that the Yoruba traditional institution remains one of Africa’s oldest and most respected systems, playing a vital role in governance, culture and unity across Oyo land.
“The beaded crown is a sacred symbol of authority, service and divine responsibility, and those who wear it are called to lead with integrity, courage and compassion.”
He praised the governor for backing the initiative, describing the simultaneous coronation of 14 Obas as a symbol of unity, continuity and renewal. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers in resolving disputes, preserving culture and mobilising communities.
Among dignitaries present were the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; lawmakers from the Oyo geopolitical zone; senior government officials; and political leaders.
Meanwhile, a legal dispute has emerged over the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy. The Supreme Court in Abuja has been urged to restrain the Oyo State Government from creating, recognising or elevating the stool pending the determination of an appeal before it.
In a motion dated January 30, 2026, filed under Appeal No. SC/404/2018, the Alaafin of Oyo is seeking interlocutory and mandatory injunctions against the governor and the state Attorney-General. The action was originally instituted by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
The applicant is asking the apex court to stop the state from “creating or re-creating, establishing or re-establishing the chieftaincy stool of Baale Ago-Oja” and from “appointing, approving or recognising” Alhaji Ganiyu Busari as holder of the stool.
He is further seeking an order restraining the government from “recognising or further recognising, dealing or further dealing with” Busari as Baale Ago-Oja, and from elevating the chieftaincy from Part III (Minor Chief) to Part II (Recognised Chief).
The motion also seeks to halt “installing or crowning the appellant as the Oloja of Ago-Oja on February 13, 2026, at Olivet High School, Oyo, or at any other venue whatsoever,” and requests that Oyo State Gazette No. 01, Vol. 50 of January 17, 2025, be set aside as it relates to the elevation of the Baale Ago-Oja stool.
According to the filing, “any attempt to revive, recognise or elevate a chieftaincy stool already declared non-existent by courts of competent jurisdiction amounts to a disregard of subsisting judgments and is capable of prejudicing the appeal now pending before this Honourable Court.”
The applicant urged the Supreme Court to grant the reliefs sought and issue any further orders deemed appropriate. The appeal and the accompanying motion are yet to be scheduled for hearing.
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