Oyo state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has stated that the elevation of three High Chiefs of Ibadanland, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, Oyekola Babalola, SAN, and Akeem Adewoyin as beaded-crown Obas, remains legally binding, regardless of their absence at the coronation venue, stressing that due process had been fully observed.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, disclosed this at the official coronation ceremony held at the ancient Mapo Hall, noting that the exercise was conducted in strict compliance with Section 20 (1) and (4) of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.
‎Governor Makinde said that the total compliance with the legal provisions was critical to maintaining continuity and preventing any vacuum within the Ibadan’s well-structured traditional system.
Oba Adewoyin was elevated to Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Babalola (SAN) moved to Ekarun Olubadan, while Oba Alli assumed the position of Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.
‎Earlier in his address, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the occasion as testament to the state government’s commitment to preserving Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
‎Recall that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja was also not at the event, even though he was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
‎There have been insinuations within the political circles that the state government intentionally designed senator Alli’s elevation, in order to prevent him from earning the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial ticket, after it was rumoured that he might be the consensus candidate of the party for the 2027 general elections.
