Lawyer Slams Makinde Over Coronation of Ibadan Chiefs in Absentia
A constitutional lawyer, Adebisi Adeyemo, has criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs over the coronation of some Ibadan High Chiefs as Obas in their absence.
Adeyemo argued that under Nigerian law, a traditional ruler cannot be validly installed without personally attending the ceremony.
His comments come amid controversy over the state government’s decision to crown three Ibadan High Chiefs as Obas last Friday, despite their formal requests to postpone the event.
The move has been widely seen as an attempt to curtail the political ambitions of certain high-ranking chiefs in the state, including Senator Sharafadeen Alli, High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin, and High Chief Kola Babalola.
Alli, a former Secretary to the State Government under ex-governor Rashidi Ladoja, was reportedly endorsed by the Olubadan as a potential All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2027 elections.
Sources say the affected chiefs had notified the government of their inability to attend and formally requested a new date.
The government, however, declined and proceeded with the coronation, declaring them duly installed.
Speaking with The Nation, Adeyemo described the government’s action as potentially ultra vires, suggesting it may have exceeded its legal authority.
He emphasised that where no law allows coronation in absentia, and customary law requires personal participation, such an installation is void.
“While the Constitution vests executive powers in a state governor, such powers are not absolute and must comply with constitutional supremacy and the rule of law,” Adeyemo said.
He added that although a governor may approve or recognise a chieftaincy appointment under relevant laws, the installation process is distinct, governed by customary rites that include personal appearance, acceptance of insignia, and sometimes oath-taking—acts that cannot be performed by proxy.
Adeyemo cited judicial precedents supporting his view. “In Adefulu v. Oyesile (1989), the Supreme Court held that strict compliance with prescribed procedures is a condition precedent to any chieftaincy appointment. Similarly, Oladele v. Aromolaran II (1996) reaffirmed that deviations from established processes render appointments invalid. These are not mere formalities—they go to the heart of legitimacy.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
