There is significant uncertainty looming over the planned presentation of staff of office to three newly elevated crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland, scheduled for today, Friday. The ceremony, which was to be presided over by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, now faces a major hurdle as indications emerged late Thursday that the prospective honorees will not be present to receive their symbols of authority.
The event, slated to take place at the historic Mapo Hall by 10:00 a.m., was expected to be a landmark occasion formalizing the coronation of three high chiefs who have recently been elevated to obaship status. The trio includes Sharafadeen Alli, who was promoted to the chieftaincy title of Ekaarun Balogun, alongside Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola, who were elevated to Ekeerin Olubadan and Ekaarun Olubadan, respectively.
Earlier in the week, the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, had confirmed the ceremony, noting that dignitaries from across the country were expected to grace the occasion. However, a late-night investigation on Thursday revealed a stark lack of preparation at the family compounds of the would-be monarchs, raising serious doubts about their participation.
Sources close to the three chiefs disclosed that their absence stems from a combination of pressing official engagements and medical commitments abroad. According to a source familiar with the development, one of the chiefs is currently out of the country receiving medical treatment. Meanwhile, Senator Sharafadeen Alli is reportedly in Abuja, the nation’s capital, attending to national legislative duties. Another factor initially cited was the absence of the Olubadan himself, although this was later clarified as a misunderstanding.
Reacting to the unfolding situation, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, dismissed insinuations that he had traveled out of Ibadan to avoid the ceremony. He clarified that he had returned from a personal trip to Lagos and was very much present in Ibadan. The monarch further revealed that the affected high chiefs had formally communicated their inability to attend and had respectfully requested a postponement of the ceremony.
Further checks suggest that the short notice given for the coronation may have contributed significantly to the current impasse. Some of the chiefs are reportedly expressing dissatisfaction over the timing of the event, feeling that adequate consultation was not carried out before the date was fixed.
Despite the apparent disarray, the state government appears determined to proceed. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, maintained that the ceremony will go on as planned. He argued that widespread public announcements have already been made by the government, and it would be inappropriate to cancel at the last minute.
Amid the controversy, the palace has moved to dismiss rumors of a rift between Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan. In a statement issued by the monarch’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, the palace described such reports as unfounded and a product of mischief-makers. The statement insisted that both parties maintain a cordial relationship and that the absence of the chiefs is purely due to their prior personal and national commitments, not any disagreement with the state government.
The planned coronation is part of the Makinde administration’s ongoing efforts to elevate and reform traditional institutions across Oyo State. According to government records, no fewer than 12 kings and over 40 Baales have been installed across the state since Governor Makinde assumed office in 2019. However, today’s events in Ibadanland may force the government to reconsider its approach to timing and consultation in future traditional elevation ceremonies.
