Makinde Ignores Alaafin’s Supreme Court Warning, Crowns 14 New Obas in Oyo Town Coronation

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has drawn a line in the sand regarding the state’s traditional hierarchy, proceeding with the mass coronation of 14 High Chiefs and Baales as crown-wearing Obas. The historic ceremony, held on Friday at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, went ahead despite a last-minute attempt by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to halt the exercise through the Supreme Court.

Represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, the Governor presented Staffs of Office and beaded crowns to the new monarchs, including the controversial Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari. Makinde described the move as a “State of Harmony” initiative designed to bring governance closer to the people and restore the dignity of traditional stools that had been sidelined for decades.

“The elevation of these chiefs underscores our commitment to strengthening traditional institutions,” Lawal said on behalf of the Governor. “We hold our traditional rulers in high esteem as custodians of culture and partners in progress. This recognition is not just about titles; it’s about peacebuilding and grassroots development.”

However, the “Royal Rumble” is far from over. The Alaafin’s legal team, led by Adeola Omotunde (SAN), had earlier warned the Governor that proceeding with the coronation would be “sacrilegious” and an act of “lawlessness.” The monarch argues that the Baale of Ago-Oja stool was declared legally dead by both the High Court and Court of Appeal years ago, and reviving it via executive fiat violates subsisting judgments.

Despite the legal threats and a pending motion at the apex court, the event saw a heavy turnout of dignitaries, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland (represented by the Asipa Olubadan) and several top state officials.

While the new Obas celebrated their “ascent to the throne,” legal analysts warn that the Supreme Court could still nullify the exercise if it rules in favor of the Alaafin’s appeal. For now, Oyo town has 14 new crowns, but the question of who truly holds the final authority remains a battle for the courtrooms.