By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is quietly building a remarkable legacy in the state’s traditional institution—crowning nearly all the major monarchs during his time in office.
Since assuming office in 2019, Makinde has overseen the selection and installation of new kings across Oyo State’s most prominent traditional stools, a rare coincidence that underscores the weight of his influence in shaping the next era of traditional leadership in the state.
Among the royal transitions under his administration are:
Alaafin of Oyo
Following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in 2022, Governor Makinde approved the selection of a new Alaafin after months of anticipation and intense public interest. Initially, the selection was intense with different lawsuits owing from kingmaker’s to the royal princes. But Alas, he presented certificate of kingship to Canadian based Oyo Prince, Akeem Abimbola Owoade who was later crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo on the 5th April 2025.
Olubadan of Ibadanland
In the magnificent city of Ibadan, the largest city of Africa, Seyi Makinde has seen the emergence of not just one, but two Olubadans during his tenure. Oba Saliu Adetunji passed in January 2022 and was succeeded by Oba Lekan Balogun, who also passed away in 2024.
In July 2024, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the new Olubadan has since been installed with the presentation of staff and instrument of office by governor Seyi Makinde, following the general approval of the kingmakers.
Soun of Ogbomoso
The revered throne of Ogbomoso witnessed a change when Oba Jimoh Oyewumi passed in December 2021. The state government later approved the selection of his successor which is Oba Ghandi. Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí Oladunni Ọláoyè, Orumógege III, a descendant of the 9th Soun of Ogbomoso, the late Oba Laoye Orumogege from Baiyewuwon ruling house of Aremo House, Ode-Aremo, Ogbomoso was crowned on the 21 December 2023 by the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. He presented both the staff and instrument of office to him and has since then charged him with the spiritual duty of upholding peace and tranquility in the city.
Aseyin of Iseyin
Following the death of Oba Abdulganiyu Salawudeen in July 2022, the Aseyin stool also saw a new king crowned under Makinde’s watch. Governor installed and approved another successor for the great city of Iseyin.
Despite the lingering court case against the selection process, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presented the Staff of Office to the new Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola.
Eleruwa of Eruwa
In March 2025, Governor Makinde presented the staff and instruments of office to Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola as the Eleruwa of Eruwa. This appointment followed a period of legal disputes after the Supreme Court deposed Oba Adegbola in 2019.
The present Eleruwa of Eruwa, HRM Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Ajobo Olurin I was reappointed and presented the staff and instruments of office on the 6th day of March 2025, by the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
Other Towns Awaiting Coronation
Several towns in Oyo State, including Sepeteri, are awaiting the appointment and coronation of new traditional rulers.
In Sepeteri town, the name of the new Obalufon has been forwarded to the state government awaiting official installation. The state government continues to work with kingmakers and local communities to ensure due process is followed in filling these vacancies.
While royal successions are mostly determined by traditional processes and kingmakers, the role of the state governor is constitutionally critical—final approval rests with the government, making Makinde a key figure in legitimizing each ruler.
Observers note that few governors in recent history have had such sweeping involvement in royal transitions, especially within a single term. Whether by chance or by timing, Makinde’s governorship has been marked by a historic reshaping of Oyo State’s traditional leadership landscape.
As he continues his second term, many are watching to see how these new kings will interact with his administration and shape the cultural and political balance of the state.
