Oyo State Governor Crowns Three New Ibadan Obas In Absentia Despite Palace Request For Postponement

Governor Seyi Makinde has installed three new Ibadan Obas despite their absence at Mapo Hall. Read about the legal dispute, the Olubadan's response, and the Chiefs' Law.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 6:36 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Channels Television

A Ceremony Without The Honorees

In an unconventional traditional exercise, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, proceeded with the coronation of three new Obas of Ibadanland on April 4, 2026, despite the candidates failing to attend. The newly elevated monarchs—Oba Sarafadeen Alli (Ekarun Balogun), Oba Oyekola Babalola (Ekarun Olubadan), and Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun)—did not send representatives or family members to the historic Mapo Hall event. Prior to this elevation, the trio served as High Chiefs within the Olubadan-in-Council, and their promotion follows the established ascension order of the ancient city.

Legal Justification Amidst Empty Thrones

Representing Governor Makinde, the Deputy Governor defended the decision to proceed with the crowning in absentia, anchoring the action in Section 20 of the Chiefs’ Law of Oyo State. The state government maintained that the move was necessary to prevent a vacuum in the chieftaincy hierarchy and to uphold the structured order of Ibadan’s traditional system. Officials emphasized that the ceremony was a reaffirmation of the rule of law rather than a mere formality, intended to preserve the dignity and stability of the traditional institution for future generations.

Palace Reports Of A Postponement Request

The absence of the High Chiefs appears to be a calculated move rather than a logistical oversight. According to a statement from the palace of the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the three chiefs had formally written to notify the palace of their unavailability and specifically requested a postponement of the coronation. This request was reportedly communicated to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. Despite this formal notification and the resulting "empty chairs" at Mapo Hall, the state government chose to finalize the appointments as scheduled.