On Friday, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented the Staff of Office to ten out of the eleven high chiefs of Ibadanland who were elevated to the status of beaded crown-wearing Obas. The ceremony took place at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan. The elevation of the chiefs to Obas was approved by Governor Makinde based on the recommendation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who has the authority to make such recommendations.
The newly coronated Obas are Owolabi Olakulehin, Tajudeen Ajibola, Eddy Oyewole, Lateef Adebimpe, Biodun Kola-Daisi, Kola Adegbola, Hamidu Ajibade, Olubunmi Isioye, Bayo Akande, and Abiodun Azeez. However, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, who had earlier rejected the elevation, was conspicuously absent from the ceremony. Ladoja stated that he was only interested in becoming the Olubadan of Ibadanland and had no desire for any other crown.
As part of their new roles, the newly coronated Obas will serve as Chairmen of the Traditional Council in their respective Local Government Areas within Ibadanland.
