The Oyo state Government on Friday officially crowned the newly elevated crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland, with all the three High Chiefs included in absentia.
The three High Chiefs are, Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Akeem Adewoyin, Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Kola Babalola and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, had earlier declined invitation for the coronation ceremony.
Following their invitation by the state government a few days ago, the three individuals claimed they would not be available for the ceremony.
However, the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Adebayo Lawal, pronounced them as Obas at the event, held at the historic Mapo Hall, with dignitaries from across the country in attendance.
Findings revealed that this is the first time such would happen in the history of Ibadan and Yorubaland as a whole.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja was also absent at the event but was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
The deputy governor, while pronouncing the Obas, said, “Distinguished newly crown Kabiesi, Kade o pe Lori ki bata o pe lese”.
The event was attended by Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko, Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekeerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande, Arole Iba Oluyole, Chief Nureni Akanbi, Secretary to the State government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, Araba of Ibadanland, Ifalere Adegbola, former Minister of Trade and Industry, Mrs Onikepo Akande, among others.
