A fresh controversy has erupted in Oyo State following the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde to confer beaded crowns on three Ibadan High Chiefs in their absence, a move that has triggered debate across political and traditional circles.
The ceremony, which took place on Friday at the historic Mapo Hall, marked what many observers have described as an unusual development in the long-standing Ibadan chieftaincy system. Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor formally elevated Mobolaji Adewoyin as Ekerin Balogun, Oyekola Babalola as Ekarun Olubadan, and Sarafadeen Alli as Ekarun Balogun.
Despite the absence of the newly elevated chiefs, the state government proceeded with the event, insisting that due process was followed and that the action was necessary to maintain the structure of the traditional system in Ibadanland.
The development has drawn criticism largely because the affected chiefs were not physically present at the ceremony. According to a statement issued by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, the chiefs had informed both the palace and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters that they would be unavailable on the scheduled date.
The monarch, through his aide, said the chiefs also requested that the ceremony be postponed to allow them attend in person. However, the state government went ahead with the programme, a decision that many believe undermines the traditional process and respect for the institution.
The absence of the chiefs led to a symbolic ceremony where the crowns were conferred without the recipients physically present, a situation that has generated widespread reactions among stakeholders.
Governor Makinde defended the action, stating that the conferment of beaded crowns is backed by law and does not depend on the physical presence of the recipients.
He cited provisions of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, which grants the governor the authority to approve and confer traditional titles. According to him, the step was necessary to prevent any disruption in the well-organised Ibadan chieftaincy system.
Makinde explained that delaying the process could create a vacuum or distort the traditional hierarchy, which has been carefully maintained over the years.
“This ceremony goes beyond formality. It represents our commitment to uphold the rule of law while preserving the dignity of our traditional institutions,” he said.
He added that the newly elevated chiefs have now attained full Obaship status and charged them to lead with integrity, wisdom, and a sense of responsibility when they assume their roles fully.
Beyond the legal arguments, the development has also sparked political speculation, particularly concerning Sarafadeen Alli, who is believed to have political ambitions ahead of future elections in the state.
Although the government has denied any political motive, critics argue that the move could deepen tensions between the state government and traditional authorities in Ibadanland.
The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State strongly criticised the governor’s action, describing it as a disrespect to Yoruba tradition.
The party’s spokesperson, Olawale Sadare, condemned the ceremony, saying it reduced a revered institution to a mere spectacle.
According to him, installing “photographs and empty chairs” as Obas was unacceptable and amounted to making a mockery of the traditional system.
“He has written a bad page for himself in the book of history,” Sadare said, adding that there could be no justification for such an action.
This is not the first time Ibadan’s chieftaincy system has witnessed controversy. In 2017, during the administration of former governor Abiola Ajimobi, a similar situation arose when several high chiefs were elevated to Obas and given beaded crowns.
At the time, the move generated strong opposition within the traditional council, with Rashidi Ladoja, then Osi Olubadan, boycotting the event in protest.
That episode led to a prolonged dispute over the structure and integrity of the Ibadan traditional system, which is known for its unique and orderly succession plan.
The Ibadan chieftaincy system is widely regarded as one of the most organised in Yorubaland, with a clear line of progression that allows high chiefs to ascend to the position of Olubadan over time.
Ibadan’s traditional structure is distinct because it balances two main lines — the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) — through which chiefs rise step by step until they become the Olubadan.
This system has been praised for reducing disputes over succession, as every chief knows his position and expected progression.
However, decisions such as the conferment of beaded crowns have, in recent years, introduced new layers of complexity into the system, sometimes leading to disagreements between government authorities and traditional leaders.
Many stakeholders have called for caution, urging the government to maintain close consultation with the Olubadan and other key figures in the traditional council before making decisions that affect the institution.
At the ceremony, the Olubadan was represented by Tajudeen Ajibola, while several dignitaries, including traditional rulers and government officials, were also present.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the event as a milestone in the history of Ibadanland and a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to cultural preservation.
As reactions continue to trail the event, attention is now focused on how the newly crowned Obas will formally assume their roles and whether the controversy will affect relations between the state government and the traditional institution.
The development highlights the delicate balance between modern governance and traditional authority in Nigeria, where both systems continue to play important roles in society.