Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has followed the precedent set by late Governor Abiola Ajimobi five years ago by granting crown-wearing high chief status (kingship) to members of the Olubadan-in-Council. The conflict between the then Olubadan, late Oba Saliu Adetunji, and some of his chiefs, including Lekan Balogun (formerly Otun Olubadan, now Olubadan) and Owolabi Olakulehin (Balogun of Ibadan land), reached its peak in August 2017 when Ajimobi promoted 21 chiefs to the rank of kings. To settle the dispute, Makinde, Ajimobi’s successor, withdrew the crowns of the high chiefs. However, Makinde sought approval from the State House of Assembly to amend the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law 2023, allowing traditional heads to wear beaded crowns based on requests from the high chiefs. The installation ceremony took place at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, attended by a large crowd and traditional rulers from neighboring states. While some residents, including former Governor Ladoja, opposed the re-enthronement of more obas, Makinde emphasized that the authority to consent lies with the Olubadan and not the governor, and the move is in line with the desires of the people of Ibadan.
“Ladoja abstains from the ceremony as Makinde raises the status of 10 Ibadan high chiefs to the position of kings”
