Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has elevated 14 high chiefs and Baales from Oyo town to the prestigious status of crown-wearing Obas, presenting them with Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office during a colourful ceremony on Friday.
The event, held at the premises of Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area, saw Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal present the symbols of authority on behalf of the governor.
The newly elevated monarchs include:
- Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran
- Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila
- Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde
- Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye
- Onimileke of Imileke, Oyo, Oba Fakayode Alowonle
- Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oyo, Oba Salawu Oyeniran
- Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye
- Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe
- Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff
- Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh
- Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari
- Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh
- Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye
- Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan
In a speech read by the Deputy Governor, Governor Makinde emphasized the administration's high regard for traditional rulers as custodians of culture, promoters of unity, and partners in progress.
He urged the new Obas to lead with integrity, fairness, and service, ensuring their reigns promote peace, inclusiveness, and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens' welfare.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the occasion as historic and culturally significant, highlighting the revered status of Yoruba traditional institutions in Africa.
He noted that the beaded crown represents sacred authority, service, and divine responsibility, calling on the monarchs to lead with integrity, courage, and compassion.
The elevation reinforces the state's commitment to strengthening traditional institutions, fostering grassroots development, peacebuilding, and cultural preservation while encouraging collaboration between government and royal fathers.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, former Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly from the zone, and other top officials.
