The Government of Oyo State, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has officially elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the prestigious status of crown-wearing Obas, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the state’s traditional institution.
The elevation ceremony, held on Friday at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area, was conducted on behalf of the Governor by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal. During the colourful and well-attended event, the newly elevated monarchs were presented with their Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office, formally recognising their enhanced traditional authority.
Newly Elevated Monarchs
The 14 traditional rulers elevated to crown-wearing Obas are:
- Oba David Oyediran – Alaaguo of Aguoland
- Oba Afonja Mukaila – Baba Eyaji of Oyo
- Oba Samuel Odurinde – Alajagba of Oyo
- Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye – Ona-Isokun of Oyo
- Oba Fakayode Alowonle – Onimileke of Imileke, Oyo
- Oba Salawu Oyeniran – Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu
- Oba Olaniyi Adegboye – Oloodu of Ojongbodu
- Oba Tijani Ajeigbe – Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara
- Oba Oyeleke Yusuff – Onidode of Idodeland
- Oba Lamidi Jimoh – Iba Samu of Oyo Empire
- Oba Ganiyu Busari – Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land
- Oba Asimiyu Jimoh – Agbaaki of Oyo
- Oba Jimoh Oyeleye – Alakeitan of Akeitan
- Oba Abel Oyekan – Elepe of Iseke
The elevation formally confers upon them the status of crown-wearing Obas, strengthening grassroots leadership structures and reinforcing their roles within the Oyo traditional framework.
Commitment to Cultural Heritage
The administration emphasised that the decision aligns with broader efforts to preserve cultural heritage, enhance community-based governance, and promote inclusive development across the state. Supporters at the ceremony described the move as a historic and progressive step toward strengthening traditional institutions in line with contemporary realities.
The ceremony attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, traditional rulers, political office holders, and community members, reflecting the importance of the occasion in the sociocultural landscape of Oyo.
Ongoing Discussions Within Traditional Hierarchy
The development comes amid reported legal steps and objections from the Akeem Abimbola Owoade, the Aláàfin of Oyo, who is widely regarded as the paramount traditional ruler in the ancient town. Observers note that the matter has sparked discussions on traditional hierarchy and authority, highlighting the dynamic nature of cultural governance structures.
Despite differing perspectives, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to lawful processes and peaceful coexistence within the traditional system.
LAGOSTREND will continue to monitor developments surrounding the matter and provide timely updates as events unfold.
