Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Friday elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the rank of crown-wearing Obas, formally presenting them with their Staffs and Instruments of Office.
The ceremony, held at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who represented the governor at the colourful coronation event.
The newly crowned monarchs are:
- The Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran
- The Baba Eyaji 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
- The Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe
- 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
- The Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the deputy governor, Makinde stated that the elevation reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and fostering peace and development at the grassroots level.
He congratulated the monarchs, describing their ascension as both recognition of their leadership and reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding, and community development.
According to the governor, the state government holds traditional rulers in high regard due to their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of unity, and partners in progress.
He urged the newly installed Obas to uphold integrity, fairness, and dedicated service to their people, emphasising that their reigns should be marked by peace, inclusiveness, and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Rashidi Ladoja, who was represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Oyo State House of Assembly member, Monsurat Sunmonu; members of the 10th Oyo Assembly from the Oyo geopolitical zone; senior government officials; and political leaders.
