Former Oyo governor, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, was absent as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, promoted eleven (11) High Chiefs to the position of Obas.
The event took place on Friday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan and all eleven local government units were present.
The newly promoted Obas include High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin, Otun Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, Osi Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole Foko, Osi Balogun, High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Ashipa Olubadan, and High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi have all been crowned and presented with staffs of office.
Others are: Ashipa Balogun, High Chief Kolawole Adegbola, Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Balogun, High Chief Dada Isioye, Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Adebayo Akande, and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Abiodun Dauda Azeez.
Governor Seyi Makinde, former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy Governor Hamid Gbadamosi, and Speaker of the state House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin were also present.
While speaking, Makinde stated that the consenting authority is the Olubadan, not him.
“We are here for one thing, the Olubadan of Ibadan is crowning his High Chiefs as Obas. It is not the government that is giving the High Chiefs crowns. I am not aware of the crown. I am not in the line. What is happening today is internal.
“If the royal father said there is a need for reform, me, as the governor, I will support them. Out of the 11 High Chiefs we have in Ibadan, 10 of them have been crowned today. Even in a democracy, the majority will have its way and the minority will have their say and we have had them, anyone that is not satisfied can go to Court.
“The consenting authority today is the Olubadan and not the governor. Those who go to Court will waste their time. What the people want, we have done it for them. I want to charge the new Obas to do good to their people. I thank all my people in Ibadan. Thank you”.
