Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday elevated three high chiefs in Ibadanland to the position of monarchs.

The three chiefs namely Akeem Adewoyin, Kola Babalola and Sharafadeen Alli, were however absent at the event held at Mapo Hall Ground in Ibadan.

Reports noted that the chiefs had earlier communicated their non-availability for the event through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

The chiefs reportedly sought deferment of the ceremony because of their non-availability.

Despite the chiefs’ absence at the scheduled ceremony, the state governor, represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, pronounced the non-attending chiefs as obas.

“I hereby pronounce as crowned Oba Akeem Adewoyin as Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland. I hereby also pronounce Oba Kola Babalola as Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland. And I hereby pronounce Oba Sharafadeen Alli as Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland,” the deputy governor stated.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Adebayo said the coronation, regardless of the high chiefs’ absence, was lawful and sacrosanct to preserve the Ibadan traditional system.

“The ceremony of today, whether the elevated royal majesties are here or not, the function as required by law is being performed and the conferment is sacrosanct,” Mr Adebayo stated.

“The lineage is structured and we cannot jump it, the government cannot jump it, royalty cannot jump it. It is totally structured and we are following due process,” he said.

The deputy governor said the state government embarked on the coronation to sustain and produce enduring legacy, as well as “affirm a system that has for generations provided structure, order and identity in Ibadanland.”

“The elevation of these high chiefs and their subsequent conferment with beaded crowns speak to a tradition that evolves without losing its essence,” Mr Adebayo said.

He stressed that the ceremony should be seen beyond formality, but “a deliberate affirmation of our commitment as a government upholding the rule of law, while preserving the dignity and relevance of our tradition.”

The deputy governor cited Section 20 Sub-section I and IV of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State (2000) as constitutional provisions, which vested authority on the state governor to confer beaded crown on any elevated high chief within the Ibadanland traditional system.

He added, “It is sacrosanct that it is by elevation and promotion. It is by rotation and promotion, and any disturbance on the system will affect the line from top to down. This administration will frown at anything that will disturb the laid down culture and tradition of Ibadanland.”

Calling on the monarchs to exhibit wisdom, integrity and a commitment to unity, the deputy governor wished the new monarchs a peaceful reign, stability and enduring impact.

Dignitaries at the event include Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, who represented the Olubadan; Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Eddy Oyewole-Foko; and Osi Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi.

Other attendees include Ekeerin Olubadan, Adebayo Akande; Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun and the President General, Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII),  Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, among others.