By Ghazali Ibrahim
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has made history in Yorubaland by becoming the first governor to crown traditional rulers in their absence, following the promotion of three Ibadan High Chiefs to the status of Obas.
The unprecedented development occurred on Friday when the governor, represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, proceeded with the coronation of the chiefs despite their refusal to attend the ceremony.
The affected chiefs: Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Akeem Adewoyin; Ekaarun Olubadan, Kola Babalola; and Ekaarun Balogun, Sharafadeen Alli had earlier declined the state government’s invitation, indicating they would not be present at the event.
In a move that has sparked widespread reactions, the state government went ahead with the ceremony at Mapo Hall in Ibadan to formally pronouncing them as Obas in absentia.
This occurrence is widely regarded as a first in the history of traditional institution practices in Yorubaland.
Declaring their new status, Lawal, speaking on behalf of the governor, addressed the newly crowned monarchs, saying, “Distinguished newly crowned Kabiesi, Kade o pe lori ki bata o pe lese.”
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, was also absent at the ceremony but was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola.
The event, held amid the notable absence of the newly crowned Obas, was attended by several prominent Ibadan figures, including Otun Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole-Foko; Osi Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekeerin Olubadan, Adebayo Akande; and Chief Nureni Akanbi.
Other dignitaries present were the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Araba of Ibadanland, Ifalere Adegbola; former Minister of Trade and Industry, Onikepo Akande; a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central, Adebayo Adepoju; Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun; and President-General of the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole.
Makinde’s decision marks a significant and controversial moment in the evolution of traditional leadership practices in the region.
