Oyo State Governor Elevates 14 High Chiefs to Crown-Wearing Obas in Historic Ceremony
In a significant move to bolster traditional leadership, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially promoted fourteen High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the esteemed status of crown-wearing Obas. The historic coronation ceremony took place on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the premises of Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area.
Strengthening Traditional Institutions
Governor Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, presented the newly crowned monarchs with Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office during the elaborate event. The governor emphasized that this elevation is a strategic initiative to strengthen traditional institutions and foster peace and development at the grassroots level.
"The State Government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of unity, and partners in progress," Governor Makinde stated. He congratulated the newly crowned Obas, noting that their ascension recognizes their exemplary leadership and commitment to their communities.
List of Newly Elevated Monarchs
The fourteen High Chiefs who received this prestigious promotion include:
- The Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran
- The Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila
- The Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde
- The Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye
- The Onimileke of Imileke, Oyo, Oba Fakayode Alowonle
- The Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oyo, Oba Salawu Oyeniran
- The Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye
- The Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe
- The Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff
- The Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh
- The Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari
- The Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh
- The Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye
- The Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan
Cultural Significance and Governance Role
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, highlighted the profound cultural importance of this elevation. He described the Yoruba traditional institution as one of the oldest and most revered in Africa, playing a central role in governance, culture, and unity across Oyo land.
"The beaded crown is a sacred symbol of authority, service, and divine responsibility, and those who wear it are called to lead with integrity, courage, and compassion," Ojo remarked. This statement underscores the weighty responsibilities that accompany the new status of these monarchs.
Background on Yoruba Obaship Systems
This development occurs within the rich tapestry of Yoruba traditional leadership structures. For context, the Ibadan Obaship system features two distinct succession lines—Civil and Military—with candidates ascending through over twenty chieftaincy stages in a rotational and merit-based framework.
Unlike many other Yoruba towns, Ibadan's throne is not restricted to royal families; any qualified male indigene can become Olubadan by rising through either succession line. This system often results in aged monarchs, as the lengthy promotion process typically sees kings ascending in their 70s or 80s, ensuring highly experienced leadership.
Modern Leadership and Cultural Preservation
The elevation of these fourteen Obas aligns with broader efforts to modernize traditional institutions while preserving cultural heritage. Recently, Abimbola Akeem Owoade was officially recognized as Alaafin of Oyo, pledging leadership that blends cultural pride with global experience.
A scion of the Agunloye royal family, Owoade aims to modernize Oyo's economy, empower youth, and preserve Yoruba culture through initiatives like industrial parks, cultural museums, and vocational training programs. This focus on innovation, education, and heritage preservation mirrors the goals behind Governor Makinde's recent promotions.
By elevating these High Chiefs, Oyo State not only honors its cultural legacy but also reinforces the vital partnership between traditional rulers and government in driving community development and social cohesion.
