…Says elevation is a call to greater responsibility

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has promoted 14 High Chiefs and Baales across Oyoland to the status of crown-wearing Obas, describing the elevation as a call to greater responsibility, peacebuilding and collaboration with government for development.

The newly elevated traditional rulers were presented with their beaded crowns and instruments of office on Friday at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, Governor Makinde said the exercise underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions as vital partners in governance, security and grassroots development.
Among those elevated are the Alago-Oja of Ago Oja, Alajagba of Ajagba, Onimeleke of Imeleke, Alaaguo of Aguo, and Alapaara of Apaara.

Others promoted to crown-wearing Obas include the 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 said the elevation was borne out of the government’s resolve to promote peace, sustain the traditional institution and engender development across the state, urging the new Obas to see their ascension as a renewed call to service.
He congratulated the royal fathers, noting that their promotion was in recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation of the relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding and community development.

He also charged them to rule with integrity, fairness and inclusiveness.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Lawal described the ceremony as historic, stressing that it marked another milestone in preserving Oyo State’s cultural heritage.
“Your ascension to the esteemed status of Crown-Wearing Obas is not only a recognition of your leadership but also a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of our traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding and community development,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the event as culturally significant, noting that it symbolised unity, continuity and renewal in Oyoland.

He added that the Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest in Africa, remains central to governance, culture and unity, assuring that the state government would continue to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers in conflict resolution, cultural preservation and community mobilisation.

Dignitaries at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; members of the House of Assembly, commissioners and other top government officials.