Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday elevated 14 high chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas, urging them to promote peace, unity and grassroots development in their domains.
The governor presented the Staffs and Instruments of Office to the monarchs at a colourful ceremony held at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area.
The Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, represented Makinde at the event.
The newly installed Obas are: 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; Onimileke of Imileke, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe; Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff; Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari; Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh; Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; and Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Makinde described traditional rulers as custodians of culture and critical partners in governance, stressing that their roles remain pivotal to peacebuilding and socio-economic advancement at the grassroots.
He charged the newly elevated monarchs to rule with integrity, fairness and a deep sense of service, noting that their reigns must reflect inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
“The traditional institution remains a pillar of our society. As custodians of our heritage and values, you must continue to promote harmony and collaborate with government in driving development across your communities,” the governor said.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the ceremony as historic, saying the conferment of beaded crowns symbolised sacred authority and divine responsibility within the Yoruba traditional institution.
Ojo urged the monarchs to justify the confidence reposed in them by leading with courage, compassion and accountability.
The elevation, observers said, signals the administration’s sustained efforts to strengthen traditional institutions in Oyo State, deepen grassroots governance and preserve the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, former Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu, and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly from the zone.
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