Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the rank of crown-wearing Obas, formally presenting them with Staffs and Instruments of Office at a grand ceremony in Oyo West Local Government Area. The colourful event, held at Oliveth Heights, was conducted on behalf of the governor by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who handed over the symbols of authority to the newly installed monarchs. Among those elevated 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; Oba Salawu Oyeniran, Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu; Oba Olaniyi Adegboye, Oloodu of Ojongbodu; and Oba Tijani Ajeigbe, Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara. Others are 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; and Oba Abel Oyekan, Elepe of Iseke. In an address delivered by his deputy, Makinde said the elevation reflects his administration’s resolve to strengthen traditional structures and promote peace and development at the grassroots. He described the new status of the monarchs as recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation of the vital place of traditional institutions in governance and community building. “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.” The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the occasion as historic and culturally significant. He noted that the Yoruba traditional institution remains one of Africa’s oldest and most revered systems, central to governance, unity and cultural preservation in 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 commended the governor for approving and sponsoring the mass coronation, saying it symbolises unity, continuity and renewal across Oyo communities. He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to collaborating with traditional rulers on conflict resolution, cultural preservation and grassroots mobilisation. Notable personalities at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; lawmakers from the Oyo geopolitical zone; top government officials; and political stakeholders. Meanwhile, a legal tussle has emerged over the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy. The Supreme Court sitting in Abuja has been urged to restrain the Oyo State Government from creating, recognising or elevating the stool pending the outcome of an appeal. The motion, dated January 30, 2026, in Appeal No. SC/404/2018, was instituted by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. The applicant is seeking interlocutory and mandatory injunctions against the governor and the state Attorney-General. The filing asks the apex court to stop the government 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. It further seeks to restrain the state from “recognising or further recognising, dealing or further dealing with” Busari as Baale Ago-Oja and from upgrading the chieftaincy from Part III (Minor Chief) to Part II (Recognised Chief). The motion also requests an order stopping “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 asks the court to set aside Oyo State Gazette No. 01, Vol. 50 of January 17, 2025, as it relates to the elevation of the stool. According to the application, “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 appeal and the accompanying motion have yet to be fixed for hearing.
