By The Oyo State Government has officially coronated and presented the staff of office to three crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland at the coronation ceremony held at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan, on Friday, April 3, 2026.
The newly crowned Obas are Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, crowned as Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Oyekola Babatola (SAN), crowned as Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland; and Oba Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, crowned as Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde; Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, Chief Judge of Oyo State; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ojo Obafemi; Permanent Secretaries; traditional rulers from Ibadanland; and other distinguished guests.
Notably, the three newly crowned Obas were absent from the ceremony, with no representatives observed at the venue. Also absent was the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), despite media reports indicating that he was in Ibadan.
The programme commenced with the national, state and Ibadan anthems, followed by opening prayers offered by Islamic, Christian, and traditional religious leaders.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ojo Obafemi, stated that the event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to traditional institutions.
“This occasion further stresses the bond between the government and traditional institutions. Today’s event marks a significant milestone in the enduring history of Ibadan traditional institutions.
“It is not merely a ceremonial exercise but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to preserving our rich cultural heritage and time-honoured traditions that define our people. It also demonstrates the Oyo State Government’s commitment to due process, cultural preservation, and adherence to the provisions of the Chiefs Law,” he said.
He further stressed that the ministry remains committed to strengthening the role of traditional rulers in governance and community development.
“As a ministry, we affirm our commitment to supporting traditional rulers in promoting peace, development, and good governance at the grassroots. Together, we will continue to build a society rooted in culture, guided by wisdom, and driven by progress,” he added.
While pronouncing their installation, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, emphasised that the process followed due legal procedure despite the absence of the beneficiaries.
“The ceremony of today, whether the elevated royal majesties are here or not, the function, as required by law, is being performed and the ‘conferment’ is sacrosanct because the lineage is structured and we cannot jump it, neither the government nor royalty. It is totally structured, and we are following due process in what we are doing this afternoon,” he said.
He further affirmed that the conferment was legally grounded, citing provisions from the Chiefs law, while also affirming that the process is necessary to preserve the well-structured nature of the Ibadan traditional system.
“In line with Section 20, Subsections I and IV of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, Vol. 1, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, and by virtue of all other enabling powers, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, with the authority to confirm beaded crowns on elevated high chiefs in Ibadanland. This step has also become necessary to avoid creating a vacuum or distorting the well-structured arrangement of the Ibadan traditional system.”
Following his remarks, he formally pronounced the installation of the monarchs.
“I hereby pronounce as crowned Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin as Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Oyekola Babatola (SAN) as Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Oba Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli as Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland,” he said.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, described the Ibadan chieftaincy system as well-structured and unique within Yorubaland.
“What we are doing today is just to confer. The Ibadan chieftaincy system in the whole of Yorubaland is well organised and operates in a clear line of succession. For the three obas elevated today: Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, Oba Oyekola Babatola (SAN), and Oba Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, they are only a few stages before they ascend to the position of Olubadan. The government is only confirming what has already been established,” he said.
Absence from Coronation Raises Concerns in Ibadan
However, reports indicate that the absence of the newly crowned Obas may not be unconnected to dissatisfaction with the process.
According to findings by The Punch, there were no visible preparations at the family compounds of the elevated monarchs prior to the ceremony. Sources revealed that the short notice issued by the state government contributed to the lack of participation.
One source disclosed that the Olubadan had informed the affected high chiefs shortly after receiving official communication from the government, but their responses remained uncertain.
Another source noted that one of the high chiefs was out of the country for medical treatment, while Senator Alli was reportedly in Abuja on official assignment.
Further reports suggested that the absence may also be linked to underlying tensions and controversies surrounding the coronation, with some stakeholders expressing concerns over its timing and perceived political undertones
