Oyo Govt Crowns Senator Alli, Two Ibadan High Chiefs in Absentia at Mapo Hall Ceremony
The Oyo State Government has formally crowned three prominent High Chiefs in Ibadanland as crown-wearing Obas, conducting the traditional rites in absentia during a ceremony held at Mapo Hall on Friday, April 3, 2026.
The event, which featured the presentation of the Staff of Office, marked another significant step in the ongoing elevation of Ibadan’s traditional chieftaincy structure. The ceremony attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and cultural enthusiasts from within and outside Oyo State, highlighting its importance in both the cultural and political spheres.
Among those elevated to Obaship status are His Royal Highness, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland; His Royal Highness, Oba Oyekola Babalola, SAN, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland; and His Royal Highness, Oba Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.
Notably, the three newly crowned Obas were absent at the historic ceremony. However, proceedings went ahead as scheduled, with government officials carrying out the coronation rites and presentation of the Staff of Office on their behalf. The development underscores the state government’s commitment to institutional reforms within Ibadan’s traditional system, particularly the recognition of high-ranking chiefs as monarchs.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, performed the official presentation of the Staff of Office. In his remarks, the government reaffirmed its respect for Ibadan’s rich traditional heritage while emphasizing the need to modernize and strengthen its chieftaincy framework.
The coronation in absentia has, however, sparked conversations in some quarters about the implications of such a move within the traditional institution. Observers note that while the elevation aligns with recent reforms, the absence of the beneficiaries at such a historic moment adds a unique dimension to the evolving narrative of Ibadan’s monarchy system.
Ibadanland operates a distinct and highly structured chieftaincy hierarchy, with a rotational system that eventually produces the Olubadan. The elevation of High Chiefs to crown-wearing Obas has been part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing their status without altering the long-standing succession system.
As the newly crowned monarchs assume their upgraded traditional roles, attention is expected to shift toward how these changes will further shape the governance, culture, and unity of Ibadanland.