Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has elevated 14 high chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas, formally presenting them with instruments of office at a colourful coronation ceremony held on Friday, February 13, at Oliveth Baptist High School, Oyo.
The event attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, senior government officials, as well as cultural stakeholders from across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, said the elevation underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace and development at the grassroots.
He congratulated the newly crowned monarchs, noting that their ascension to the status of crown-wearing Obas was both a recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding and grassroots community development.
According to him, the state government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of unity and partners in progress. He urged the monarchs to uphold integrity, fairness and service to their people, stressing that their reigns should be characterised by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare in their respective domains.
The deputy governor added that synergy between government and traditional rulers remains vital in addressing security challenges, fostering unity and accelerating grassroots development.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, described the occasion as historic and culturally significant, saying it represented not only the installation of royal fathers but also 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, calling on the new Obas 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 in conflict resolution, cultural preservation and community mobilisation.
The newly elevated monarchs include the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; the Baba Iyaji 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; and the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the official presentation of instruments of office, comprising the staff of office and certificates, as well as the formal crowning of the monarchs.
Among dignitaries present were the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; members of the 10th Oyo Assembly from the Oyo geopolitical zone; top government functionaries; and political leaders.
