Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has promoted 11 Ibadan high chiefs, including former governor Rasheed Ladoja, to beaded crown kings.
The high chiefs are Balogun of Ibadanland, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ladoja; Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Olubadan, Biodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Olubunmi Isioye; Ekarun Olubadan; Bayo Akande and Ekarun Balogun, Abiodun Azeez.
This is coming after Makinde signed the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill into law to grant him autonomy to present beaded crowns and coronets to chiefs in the state, following its passage by the House of Assembly.
A source in the government told PUNCH on Wednesday that the high chiefs would be officially installed as traditional rulers on Friday, July 7, 2023.
It was further gathered that the governor’s approval was sequel to the recommendation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The source said the late former governor Abiola Ajimobi used the wrong approach in doing something similar.
“You will be shocked when you see some obas from other places who are not even up to high chief 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,” the source added.
