Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has presented Staffs of Office and crowns to 14 newly elevated Obas in Oyo Land, declaring that the occasion marks
another significant milestone in the preservation and strengthening of our traditional institution.
The ceremony, held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers and sons and daughters of the ancient town.
Represented by his Deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, the Governor congratulated the monarchs and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to traditional institutions.
He said, “We hold our traditional rulers in the highest esteem and remain fully committed to policies and initiatives that strengthen traditional institutions, promote harmonious coexistence and accelerate sustainable development across our state.”
He urged the Obas to ensure their reigns are marked by “peace, inclusiveness and unwavering support for government programmes.”
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, described the coronation as historic.
According to him, “Today marks not just the installation of royal fathers but the reaffirmation of our rich heritage and the sacred institution of monarchy that has long been the backbone of governance, culture and unity of our land.”
He added that the beaded crown, “is not an ornament but a sacred symbol of authority, service, wisdom and divine responsibility.”
Speaking on behalf of the elevated monarchs, the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan, expressed appreciation to the state government, saying,
“Today is not just a ceremony; it is a sacred responsibility. The crown symbolizes civic service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the peace and progress of our people. We accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty.” He pledged that the new Obas would promote unity, preserve cherished traditions and work harmoniously with government to advance development in Oyo Land.The monarchs presented with Staffs of Office include the Alaaguo of Aguo Land, Oba David Oyediran; Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Titiloye; Onimileke of Imileke, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; Alapa-Ara of Apara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe; Onidode of Idode Land, 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 the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.
The event also featured goodwill messages from former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, and former Senator, Monsurat Sunmonu, and other dignitaries who offered prayers for peaceful and prosperous reigns.
