The traditional landscape of Oyo town underwent a historic transformation on Friday as Governor Seyi Makinde officially elevated 14 High Chiefs and Baales to the status of crown-wearing Obas.

The coronation, held at the Olivet Heights premises in Oyo West Local Government Area, saw the presentation of Staffs of Office and Instruments of Office to the new monarchs. Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, representing Governor Makinde, performed the rites during a ceremony characterized by cultural splendor and high-level political attendance.

The 14 newly minted monarchs include:
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 Lamidi Jimoh (Iba Samu of Oyo Empire)
Oba Ganiyu Busari (Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land)
Other elevated monarchs represent the domains of Imileke, Gbudugbu, Ojongbodu, Apa-Ara, Idodeland, Agbaaki, Akeitan, and Iseke.

In a speech delivered by his deputy, Governor Makinde emphasized that the move was designed to "strengthen traditional institutions" and facilitate grassroots development. He urged the new Obas to lead with "integrity, fairness, and inclusiveness," acting as partners in the state`s progress.

Despite the festive atmosphere, the ceremony was shrouded in significant legal controversy. Central to the dispute is the elevation of Alhaji Ganiyu Busari to the stool of Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land.

The late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, had previously initiated legal action to stop the recognition of this specific stool. Documents reveal that a motion on notice was filed at the Supreme Court of Nigeria on January 30, 2026 (Appeal No. SC/404/2018), seeking an urgent injunction to restrain the Governor and Attorney-General from:
Creating or recognizing the chieftaincy stool of Baale Ago-Oja.

Installing or crowning Ganiyu Busari as an Oba.
Upholding the Oyo State Gazette of January 2025 which sanctioned the elevation.

The Alaafin’s legal representatives argued that reviving a stool previously declared non-existent by competent courts constitutes a "disregard of subsisting judgments" and could prejudice the pending appeal.

Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, defended the exercise as a "renewal of Oyo’s rich heritage." He noted that the beaded crown remains a sacred symbol of authority and divine responsibility within the Yoruba tradition, one of Africa’s oldest governance structures.

The event drew prominent figures, including representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, and various political leaders, marking a pivotal—if contested—chapter in the state`s traditional history.