The Oyo State Government has formally elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the rank of crown-wearing Obas, marking a significant shift within the state’s traditional leadership structure.

Governor Seyi Makinde approved the elevation, while his deputy, Bayo Lawal, represented him at the coronation ceremony where the newly installed monarchs received their Staffs of Office and official instruments. The colourful event took place at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area.

Among those elevated were Oba David Oyediran (Alaaguo of Aguoland), Oba Afonja Mukaila (Baba Eyaji of Oyo), Oba Samuel Odurinde (Alajagba of Oyo), Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye (Ona-Isokun of Oyo), Oba Fakayode Alowonle (Onimileke of Imileke), Oba Salawu Oyeniran (Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu), Oba Olaniyi Adegboye (Oloodu of Ojongbodu), Oba Tijani Ajeigbe (Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara), Oba Oyeleke Yusuff (Onidode of Idodeland), Oba Lamidi Jimoh (Iba Samu of the Oyo Empire), Oba Ganiyu Busari (Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja), Oba Asimiyu Jimoh (Agbaaki of Oyo), Oba Jimoh Oyeleye (Alakeitan of Akeitan) and Oba Abel Oyekan (Elepe of Iseke).

In remarks delivered by the deputy governor, Makinde said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and encouraging peace and development at the community level. He described the new status as both recognition of their leadership and affirmation of the vital role traditional rulers play in governance and grassroots stability.

He urged the monarchs to lead with fairness and integrity, stressing that their reigns should promote unity, inclusiveness and cooperation with government programmes aimed at improving living standards.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the occasion as historic and culturally meaningful. According to him, the Yoruba traditional system remains one of Africa’s most respected institutions, and the beaded crown symbolizes not only authority but also responsibility and service. He commended the governor for backing the programme, noting that the simultaneous coronation of 14 Obas highlights continuity and unity within Oyo land.

The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who was represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, as well as former Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu, lawmakers, government officials and political figures.

However, the elevation has sparked legal controversy.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has been asked to halt the creation, recognition or elevation of the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy pending the outcome of an appeal before it. The application was filed by the Alaafin of Oyo in a motion dated January 30, 2026, under Appeal No. SC/404/2018.

The case was originally instituted by the late Lamidi Adeyemi III, who challenged the legitimacy of the stool. The motion seeks both interlocutory and mandatory injunctions preventing the governor and the state’s attorney-general from establishing or recognising the Baale Ago-Oja title or approving Alhaji Ganiyu Busari as its holder.

The applicant is also asking the apex court to stop any further recognition of the chieftaincy or its elevation from a minor to a recognised status, as well as to prevent any installation or coronation linked to the disputed stool. Additionally, the motion calls for the nullification of aspects of Oyo State Gazette No. 01, Vol. 50, dated January 17, 2025, that relate to the elevation.

According to the filing, reviving or upgrading a stool previously declared non-existent by competent courts would undermine existing judgments and potentially affect the pending appeal.

The appeal and the accompanying motion have yet to be scheduled for hearing.