Alli, Babalola, Adewoyin Shun Coronation As High Chiefs

The three newly elevated high chiefs of Ibadanland, including the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Sharafadeen Alli on Friday shunned their coronation as beaded-crown by the state government.

Despite their absence, Sharafadeen Alli (Ekarun Balogun), Oyekola Babalola (Ekarun Olubadan) and Akeem Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun) who had earlier notified the authorities of their unavailability and requested a postponement, were crowned at a ceremony that was attended by some members of the Ibadan traditional council.

Defending its decision to proceed with the conferment of beaded crowns on the newly elevated high chiefs in Ibadan, the state governor, Seyi Makinde, insisted that the exercise was guided by law and not political considerations.

Makinde, represented by his deputy, Chief Bayo Lawal, stated this at the coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, saying the conferment was anchored on the provisions of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State and in line with the customs of Ibadanland.

“Crown conferment is rooted in law, not politics. This process is backed by the legal framework empowering the governor to approve the elevation of high chiefs,” he said.

He added that the government proceeded with the exercise to avoid creating a vacuum in the traditional system.

“This step became necessary to prevent any disruption to the well-structured chieftaincy arrangement in Ibadanland,” he said.

Lawal noted that the traditional institution remains critical to peace and stability, adding that the government would continue to work with traditional rulers to promote development.

He also charged the newly crowned Obas to uphold integrity and promote unity in their domains.

“To the newly crowned Obas, this honour comes with responsibility. You must lead with wisdom and serve as custodians of unity,” he said.

The ceremony followed a statement issued on Thursday by the Olubadan’s palace, which confirmed that the absent high chiefs had formally communicated their inability to attend and sought a deferment through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

Despite this, the government proceeded with the event as scheduled.

Some members of the Olubadan-in-Council attended the ceremony, led by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who represented the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Also absent was the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.

The development has sparked reactions within traditional and political circles, with observers noting the tension between adherence to traditional processes and the government’s insistence on continuity.

However, the Olubadan’s palace had earlier dismissed speculations of a rift between the monarch and the state government, maintaining that both parties remain on cordial terms.

Security was tight around Mapo Hall during the ceremony, which featured cultural displays in line with Ibadan tradition