Makinde elevates Alago-Oja, 13 others to crown-wearing Obas, presents instruments of office; Describes promotion as call to greater responsibility -

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo to the status of crown-wearing Obas, declaring that the promotion represents a call to higher responsibility, peacebuilding and strengthened collaboration with the government for sustainable development.

The newly elevated traditional rulers were presented with beaded crowns and instruments of office on Friday at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving and strengthening the traditional institution in the state.

Those elevated include the Alago-Oja of Ago Oja, Alajagba of Ajagba, Onimeleke of Imeleke, Alaaguo of Aguo and Alapaara of Apaara. Others are Alakeetan of Akeetan, Onigudugbu of Gudugbu, Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Onidode of Idode, Onasokun of Oyo, Elepe of Iseke, Babayaji of Oyo, Iba Samu of Oyo and Agbaakin of Oyo.

Makinde said the elevation was in line with his administration’s resolve to promote peace, sustain the traditional institution and drive development across Oyo State. He urged the newly crowned Obas to regard their new status as a mandate to serve with integrity, fairness and dedication to their people.

Congratulating the royal fathers, the governor noted that their elevation recognised their leadership roles and reaffirmed the relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding and community development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lawal described the occasion as a historic milestone in the preservation of Oyo’s cultural heritage.

He said, “On behalf of His Excellency, I congratulate our revered Kabiyesis who are being formally crowned today. Their ascension to the status of Crown-Wearing Obas underscores the enduring relevance of our traditional institutions in governance and community development.”

He added that the monarchs’ new status comes with greater responsibility to promote peace, inclusiveness and support government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, described the event as culturally significant, noting that it symbolised unity, continuity and renewal in Oyo.

He commended Makinde for approving the elevation and assured that the government would continue to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers in conflict resolution, cultural preservation and grassroots mobilisation.

Dignitaries at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; members of the House of Assembly; commissioners; and other top government officials and political leaders.

Signed
Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor
February 13, 2026.