OYO GOVERNOR MAKINDE ELEVATES 14 CHIEFS AMID ALAAFIN’S SUPREME COURT MOTION
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has proceeded with the elevation and coronation of the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land and 13 other high chiefs and Baales as crowned Obas, despite a pending motion at the Supreme Court seeking to halt the process.
The ceremony, held Friday at Olivet Heights, Oyo, involved the formal presentation of staffs and certificates, and the crowning of the newly elevated monarchs. Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal represented Governor Makinde and conducted the official rites.
In a statement delivered on his behalf, Governor Makinde said the elevation reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and fostering peace and development at the grassroots.
“This elevation recognizes your leadership and underscores the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding, and community progress,” Makinde said. “Traditional rulers are custodians of culture, promoters of unity, and partners in development. Your reigns must exemplify integrity, fairness, and support for government programmes that improve citizens’ welfare.”
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and traditional rulers in addressing security challenges and advancing grassroots development.
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Chief Ojo, speaking at the event, described the installation as a reaffirmation of Oyo’s rich heritage. “The beaded crown is a sacred symbol of authority and service, and those who wear it are called to lead with integrity, courage, and compassion,” he said. He also praised Governor Makinde for sponsoring the programme, noting that the simultaneous coronation of 14 Obas symbolizes unity and continuity in Oyo land.
The newly crowned monarchs include Oba David Oyediran (Alaaguo of Aguoland), Oba Ganiyu Busari (Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land), Oba Afonja Mukaila (Baba Eyaji of Oyo), and 11 others.
The coronation comes despite a motion filed on January 30, 2026, in Appeal No. SC/404/2018 at the Supreme Court, instituted by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi. The motion seeks to restrain the governor and attorney-general from recognizing or elevating the Baale of Ago-Oja, a title declared non-existent by the Oyo State High Court in 2007 and affirmed by the Court of Appeal in 2017.
Through his counsel, Adeola Omotunde (SAN), the Alaafin argued that reviving a chieftaincy already declared non-existent by courts disregards existing judgments and could prejudice the pending appeal. In a February 8, 2026 letter, the Alaafin’s lawyers warned that proceeding with the coronation of Ganiyu Busari would constitute “illegality and contempt of court.”
Despite the legal challenge, the state government issued Busari a fresh approval letter and elevated the stool through Gazette No. 01, Vol. 50, dated January 17, 2025. The Supreme Court motion is yet to be scheduled for hearing.
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