Makinde Elevates 14 Oyo High Chiefs To Obas, Presents Staff Of Office
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas with the presentation of Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office.
The Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office were presented to the Obas by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, on behalf of Makinde during the ceremony held at the premises of Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area of the state.
The newly elevated monarchs include the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; the Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; the Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; the Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye; the Onimileke of Imileke, Oyo, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oyo, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; the Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; and the Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe.
Others are the Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff; the Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari; the Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh; the Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; and the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.
Reading Makinde’s speech, the deputy governor, said the elevation of the chiefs underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace and development at the grassroots.
He, therefore, congratulated the newly crowned monarchs, saying their ascension to the status of crown-wearing Obas was both a recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding, and grassroots community development.
The governor said, “The State Government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of unity and partners in progress.
“I want to urge you all (the monarchs) to uphold integrity, fairness and service to your people. Your reigns should be characterised by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare in their domains.”
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the event as historic and culturally significant, adding that it represented not just the installation of royal fathers but a reaffirmation of Oyo’s rich heritage and enduring traditions.
He said the Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest and most revered in Africa, remains central to governance, culture, and unity in Oyo land.
“The beaded crown is a sacred symbol of authority, service and divine responsibility, and those who wear it are called to lead with integrity, courage and compassion.”
The commissioner commended the governor for approving and sponsoring the programme, adding that the coronation of 14 Obas at once symbolised unity, continuity, and renewal within Oyo land.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers for conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and community mobilisation.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
