Governor Makinde ‘installs’ empty chairs as traditional rulers as elevated chiefs fail to turn up for coronation

The Oyo State Government on Friday recorded a mild dramatic feat, with installation of three traditional rulers in absentia, at a ceremony held at Mapo Hall, in Ibadan the state capital.

Penpushing reports that the absented newly elevated High Chiefs to traditional rulers in Ibadanland include Sharafadeen Ali, Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, and Oyekola Babalola, while their chairs remained empty throughout duration of the ceremony

The sources at the coronation said the absence of the elevated chiefs may be attributed to political maneuvering between Governor Seyi Makinde and the trio ahead of the 2027 governorship race in the state.

Penpushing further reports that another source, however, disclosed that the trio had earlier requested a postponement of the ceremony, citing different reasons for their inability to attend.

The source explained that Ali was said to be engaged in a national assignment, Babalola on his part was said to be outside the country for medical treatment, while Adewoyin could not attend because of short notice

Penpushing also reports that the Governor despite the absence of the trio, still proceeded with the coronation at the event which the Chairman Oyo State Traditional Council and Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Rasheed Ladoja was equally absent

The Governor was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, while the Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, represented Ladoja, as well as members of Olubadan-in-Council in attendance with the exception of Hamidu Ajibade.

Penpushing reports that the Deputy Governor, conducted the coronation and presented the staff of office in absentia, emphasising that tradition and governance wait for no one, stressing that the conferment was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State.

The Governor emphasised the need to avoid any vacuum in the well-structured Ibadan chieftaincy hierarchy, and urged the newly elevated monarchs to demonstrate wisdom, integrity and a commitment to unity in their respective domains.

Penpushing further reports that he noted that traditional rulers remain critical partners in governance, peace-building and grassroots development, stating that the process is necessary to sustain the integrity of the Ibadan traditional system and ensure continuity

Meanwhile, other traditional rulers who attended the ceremony include Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; and Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu, however, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye Ghandi, and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade were conspicuously absent.

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