In a historic and somewhat controversial ceremony held on Friday at the Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, presented the Staff of Office and Instruments of Office to 14 traditional chiefs, effectively upgrading them to the status of Obas. The Governor stated that the elevation was designed to strengthen the traditional institution in the state and promote grassroots development.
Among the newly crowned monarchs are the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; the Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; the Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; and the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari. Other elevated chiefs include the Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Onimileke of Imileke Oyo, Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu Oyo, and the Alakeitan of Akeitan, among others.
However, the event has been met with notable silence from the paramount ruler of the kingdom, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade. When contacted for a reaction, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaye, declined to give a specific statement, simply saying, "I have no comment. Yes, I have no comment."
This development comes amidst a tense legal backdrop. The Alaafin had reportedly approached the Supreme Court seeking to restrain the state government from elevating the Baale Ago-Oja stool specifically, arguing that the chieftaincy had been declared non-existent by previous court judgments. Despite the pending motion for an injunction, the state government proceeded with the coronations, with Governor Makinde urging the new Obas to use their positions to foster unity and peace.
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