Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde, has promoted 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyoland to the status of crown-wearing Obas, stating that the elevation is a call to greater responsibility and collaboration with the government to secure their domains and bring about development.
The 14 elevated chiefs were presented with the crowns and instruments of office on Friday, in an event held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.
Presenting the instruments of office to the newly-elevated royal fathers, including the Alago-Oja of Ago Oja, Alajagba of Ajagba, Onimeleke of Imeleke, Alaaguo of Aguo, and Alapaara of Apaara, Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, said his administration remains committed to upholding and strengthening the state’s traditional institution.
The other promoted High Chiefs are: Alakeetan of Akeetan, Onigudugbu of Gudugbu, Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Onidode of Idode, Onasokun of Oyo, Elepe of Iseke, Babayaji of Oyo, Iba Samu of Oyo and Agbaakin of Oyo.
The governor declared that the elevation of the High Chiefs was borne out of the government’s commitment to promoting peace, sustaining the traditional institution and engendering development.
He urged the newly promoted royal fathers to see their elevation as a call to greater responsibility and service to their people and Oyo State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated that the event was historic and culturally significant, as it represented not just the coronation of royal fathers but a reaffirmation of Oyo’s rich heritage and enduring traditions.
He added that the Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest and most revered in Africa, remains central to governance, culture and unity.
The commissioner lauded Governor Makinde for approving the elevation and presentation of crowns and instruments of office to the 14 Obas, stressing that it symbolised unity, continuity and renewal in Oyoland.
Present at the event were the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; House of Assembly members, commissioners, as well as other top government functionaries and political leaders in the state.
