On Friday, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, ceremoniously bestowed the Staff of Office upon ten out of the eleven High Chiefs of Ibadanland who were elevated to the status of Oba, wearing beaded crowns.
The event took place at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the capital city of the state.
According to reports, it was disclosed that Makinde had granted approval for the elevation based on the recommendation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who holds the position of the prescribed and consenting authority.
The new Obas are Owolabi Olakulehin; Tajudeen Ajibola; Eddy Oyewole; Lateef Adebimpe; Biodun Kola-Daisi; Kola Adegbola; Hamidu Ajibade; Olubunmi Isioye; Bayo Akande and Abiodun Azeez while the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, who had earlier rejected the elevation was conspicously absent at the ceremony.
Ladoja said he was not interested in any crown than that of Olubadan of Ibadanland, adding, “When I set out to join the race to become the Olubadan, I was focusing on how to become the Olubadan and the only crown I want to wear is that of Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the newly crowned Obas have assumed the role of Chairmen of the Traditional Council in their respective Local Government Areas within Ibadanland.
This additional responsibility signifies their elevated status and positions them as key figures in the local governance structure of their communities.
