• Olubadan, others skip Mapo ceremony
• Deputy governor pronounces monarchs
• Move described as unprecedented in Yorubaland
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday elevated three high chiefs in Ibadanland to the status of Obas despite their absence from the coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The chiefs are the Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Akeem Adewoyin; the Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Kola Babalola; and the Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli.
The trio had earlier declined the state government’s invitation to attend the ceremony, stating that they would not be available.
Notwithstanding their absence, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, formally pronounced them as Obas during the event.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was also absent but was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
Addressing the newly elevated monarchs, Lawal said, “Distinguished newly crowned Kabiyesis, káde ò pé lórí kí bàtà ò pé l’ẹsẹ̀.”
The ceremony was attended by prominent Ibadan leaders and government officials, including the Otun Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekeerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; and Chief Nureni Akanbi.
Others in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; the Araba of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Adegbola; former Minister of Trade and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande; a member of the House of Representatives, Adebayo Adepoju; Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun; and the President-General of the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole.
The development is considered unprecedented in the history of Yorubaland, as the affected chiefs were not physically present at the event where they were elevated.
