The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas, presenting them with Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office.
The Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, presented the official instruments on behalf of the governor at a colourful coronation ceremony held at Oliveth Heights, Oyo West Local Government Area.
Among the newly crowned monarchs 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.
Other elevated Obas include 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.
Governor Makinde, through his deputy, congratulated the new Obas, describing their elevation as recognition of their leadership and a testament to the relevance of traditional institutions in promoting governance, peace, and community development.
“The State Government values traditional rulers as custodians of culture, promoters of unity, and partners in progress,” he said. “I urge the monarchs to uphold integrity, fairness, and service to their people. Their reign should reflect peace, inclusiveness, and support for government programmes that improve citizens’ welfare.”
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, called the event historic, emphasising that the Yoruba traditional institution remains central to governance, culture, and unity in Oyo land.
He highlighted the beaded crown as a sacred symbol of authority and responsibility, urging the new Obas to lead with integrity, courage, and compassion. The commissioner commended the governor for approving and sponsoring the ceremony, noting that elevating 14 Obas at once symbolised unity, continuity, and renewal.
Top dignitaries were present, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; members of the 10th Oyo Assembly from the Oyo zone; top government officials; and political leaders.
The ceremony also attracted attention due to an ongoing legal dispute involving one of the elevated Obas, Oba Ganiyu Busari, Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has been asked to restrain the state government from creating, recognising, or elevating the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy stool pending the determination of an appeal.
The motion, filed on January 30, 2026, in Appeal No. SC/404/2018, was brought by the Alaafin of Oyo, seeking interlocutory and mandatory injunctions against the Governor and the Attorney-General of Oyo State.