Oyo Governor Makinde elevates 14 chiefs to Obas in colourful ceremony

Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, has approved the elevation of 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas.

The coronation ceremony took place on Friday at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area, where the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, presented the Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office on behalf of the governor.

Makinde approves elevation of 14 chiefs

The newly crowned monarchs include the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye; and Onimileke of Imileke, Oba Fakayode Alowonle.

Others are the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe; and Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.

Speaking through his deputy, Governor Makinde said the elevation reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace at the grassroots.

New Obas receive staff of office in Oyo

He urged the monarchs to rule with integrity, fairness, and inclusiveness, while supporting government programmes in their domains.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the event as historic, noting that the beaded crown symbolises authority, service, and cultural responsibility in Yoruba land.

However, the development comes amid an ongoing legal battle, as the Alaafin of Oyo has approached the Supreme Court seeking to stop the recognition and elevation of the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy pending the determination of an appeal. The case is yet to be heard.