Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State governor, may have approved promotion of Senator Rasheed Ladoja, and 10 other Ibadan high chiefs to crowned Obas.
The governor was said to have recently signed Chieftaincy Amendment Bill into law which gives him the authority to confer beaded crowns and coronets upon chiefs in the state.
This bill, according to competent sources, had been approved by the state House of Assembly.
The high chiefs, who fall within this category include Owolabi Olakulehin, the Balogun of Ibadanland; Rasheed Ladoja, Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland; Tajudeen Ajibola, Otun Balogun; Eddy Oyewole, Osi Olubadan; Lateef Adebimpe, Osi Balogun and Biodun Kola-Daisi, the Ashipa Olubadan.
Others are Kola Adegbola, the Ashipa Balogun; Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Olubadan; Olubunmi Isioye, Ekerin Balogun; Bayo Akande, Ekarun Olubadan; and Abiodun Azeez, Ekarun Balogun.
According to a reliable government source, the governor had given his approval for the promotion, adding that the official installation of these high chiefs as traditional rulers had, barring any unforeseen circumstances, been scheduled for Friday, July 7, 2023.
The decision by the governor was based on the recommendation of Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who holds the prescribed and consenting authority.
The source said, “This elevation would have come earlier before now, even before the administration of the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi. Ajimobi had a good intention on this elevation, but the approach was wrong. Why would you just wake up one day and do something of such nature in just three days or thereabout?.
“You will be shocked when you see some Obas from other places who are not even up to high chiefs in Ibadanland in a public place with a large entourage. But sometimes, our high chiefs are regarded as mere chiefs. So, it’s a good decision and the governor has given his consent on that. They will be officially crowned on Friday, July 7, 2023 as stipulated in a letter sent to the governor by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun.”
