Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially promoted three High Chiefs in Ibadanland to the rank of Obas, even as the chiefs themselves declined to attend the coronation ceremony on Friday.
The newly elevated Obas are: Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Akeem Adewoyin, Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Kola Babalola, Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Sharafadeen Alli
All three had previously declined invitations from the state government, citing unavailability for the event.
Nonetheless, Makinde, through his Deputy, Adebayo Lawal, officially pronounced them Obas, declaring: “Distinguished newly crowned Kabiesi, Kade o pe Lori ki bata o pe lese.”
The event, held in Ibadan, saw the absence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who was represented by Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola.
Despite the absences, the ceremony attracted several notable dignitaries, including: Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Eddy Oyewole-Foko, Osi Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekeerin Olubadan, Adebayo Akande, Chief Nureni Akanbi, Secretary to the State government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, Araba of Ibadanlanf Ifalere Adegbola and former Minister of Trade and Industry, Onikepo Akande.
Others are; House of representatives member representing Ibarapa North/ Ibarapa Central, Adebayo Adepoju, Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, President General, Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole,
