Oyo State Elevates Key Chiefs to Beaded Crown Status, Sparking Political Debate
The Oyo State Government has officially sanctioned the promotion of three prominent figures in Ibadanland to the esteemed status of beaded crown-wearing Obas. Among those elevated is Senator Sharafadeen Ali, who represents the Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Also receiving this significant recognition are High Chiefs Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola.
Following this governmental approval, the newly elevated chiefs are set to ascend to obaship status, a move that solidifies their elevated rank within the state’s traditional council. The specific titles they are being conferred with are Ekerin Olubadan for High Chief Bolaji Adewoyin, Ekaarun Balogun for High Chief Sharafadeen Ali, and Ekarun Olubadan for High Chief Kola Babalola.
The decision, formalized in a memo dated March 26, 2026, and authorized by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, was addressed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. The memo, bearing the registration number CB,211/10Vol IT/67, underscored the traditional necessity and urgency of conferring these beaded crowns. It explicitly stated that the immediate conferral was crucial to prevent any perception of deliberate or political delay, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the Ibadan traditional institution.
The official communication referenced a prior correspondence from Oba Ladoja, dated March 23, 2026, regarding the compilation of high chiefs and Baales due for elevation. The government’s directive emphasized that the newly elevated chiefs within the Olubadan-in-Council, namely High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin, High Chief Sharafadeen Ali, and High Chief Kola Babalola, should be promptly awarded their beaded crowns.
The coronation and crown-wearing ceremony for these esteemed individuals has been scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026, at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan. This promotion aligns with the provisions of the 2024 Chieftaincy law, which was subsequently amended. With this elevation, the affected High Chiefs are now recognized as members of the Olubadan Advisory Council.
The Oyo State Government had previously gazetted the new Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in 2024, introducing amendments to Section 4 of the original 1957 declaration. The revised law, passed by the state House of Assembly and assented to by Governor Seyi Makinde in 2025, now stipulates that a candidate for the Olubadan office must be the “most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line,” a significant departure from the previous requirement of being the “most Senior (High) Chief in that Line.”
Political Ripples and Gubernatorial Aspirations
The elevation of Senator Sharafadeen Ali to a beaded crown-wearing Oba has inevitably drawn attention to his political future. Reports had previously suggested that Senator Ali was being considered as a consensus candidate for the governorship of Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections. This potential aspiration places him among a notable group of APC figures also eyeing the state’s top political seat.
Other prominent APC aspirants reportedly interested in the Oyo governorship include:
- Teslim Folarin, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate.
- Abdulfatai Buhari, the senator representing Oyo North.
- Bayo Adelabu, the current Minister of Power.
- Rauf Olaniyan, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State.
- Akeem Agbaje, a legal practitioner.
- Adebayo Shittu, a former Minister of Communications.
- Azeez Adeduntan, a former Oyo Health Commissioner.
- Saheed Oladele.
- Gbenga Adegbola.
- Kunle Busari, son of the late influential politician Chief Busari Adelakun.
The media aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko, confirmed the receipt of the state government’s letter regarding the promotions. He indicated that the letter had been forwarded to the beneficiaries, and their responses were anticipated.
When approached for comment, the Public Relations Officer of the APC, Wale Sadare, stated that the matter did not fall under party affairs, suggesting that the senator’s media aide would provide a response.
Legal and Traditional Perspectives on Monarchs in Politics
The intersection of traditional leadership and political ambition has also prompted legal and traditional commentary. Legal practitioner Muideen Olagunju opined that there is no constitutional provision explicitly barring a traditional ruler from contesting elections. He characterized such a restriction as more of a moral and traditional consideration than a legal one, noting historical instances of monarchs participating in politics without legal repercussions.
However, a close ally of Senator Ali, speaking anonymously, suggested that the senator might not attend the scheduled coronation. This individual also asserted that any attempts by the current state administration to hinder the senator’s governorship aspirations would be futile. The ally further implied that the Olubadan’s palace might not have been fully prepared for the promotion, citing ongoing compilation of other chiefs due for elevation. This sentiment was poetically framed with a quote attributed to William Shakespeare, emphasizing a belief in Senator Ali’s destined leadership.
APC Criticizes Governance and Political Focus
Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the APC has voiced strong criticism against Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing his administration of neglecting governance in favor of political maneuvering. The party alleges that the governor’s focus on his post-office future and that of his associates has led to the squandering of state resources at the expense of the populace.
In a statement released in Ibadan, Wale Sadare questioned the allocation of state time and resources towards internal party politics, particularly concerning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he described as being in crisis. The APC suggested that Governor Makinde’s political aspirations beyond his current tenure might lead to unpleasant consequences.
The party highlighted recent events as evidence of the governor’s misplaced priorities. They pointed to a road accident that resulted in fatalities in Ibadan’s Oje market, followed by a political meeting discussing 2027 politics, allegedly agreeing on a departure date from the PDP. The APC also criticized the governor’s decision to celebrate the purchase of new vehicles for elected council and party officials while residents were mourning and facing hardship.
Furthermore, the APC expressed concern over the governor’s perceived lack of awareness regarding the economic impact of global events, such as the conflict in the Middle East, on the state. They lamented the deterioration of public infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, and the ongoing security challenges, while the governor allegedly remains disengaged from these critical issues.
