The ongoing dispute between Ibadan’s traditional institution and the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde has deepened.
The crisis escalated on Thursday when three high chiefs, set for elevation to Obas on Friday, announced they would not attend the coronation ceremony. The chiefs are High Chief Kola Babalola (Ekaarun Olubadan), High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun), and High Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (Ekaarun Balogun).
Sources say the standoff stems from disagreements between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the state government over the promotion process.
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Recently, the government requested the Olubadan to provide a list of chiefs eligible for elevation, but the Olubadan asked for more time. Despite this, the state government went ahead and released the names without waiting for the Olubadan’s submission.
Prominent traditional leaders and indigenes of Ibadanland have also decided to boycott the event. Adeola Oloko, media aide to the Olubadan, confirmed that the three chiefs formally informed the Olubadan of their unavailability and requested a postponement.
He added that the state government has been notified and emphasized that there is no personal conflict between the Olubadan and Governor Makinde.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the three concerned high chiefs have formally informed the Olubadan that they would be unavailable, and have therefore asked for a postponement,” Oloko stated.
