Sharafadeen Alli, the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for proceeding with the installation of himself and two other individuals as Ibadan high chiefs in their absence.
In a video that has surfaced online, the senator stated that the installation ceremony violated established traditional customs, which mandate the physical presence of those being appointed to such esteemed positions.
Although the exact recording date of the video remains unconfirmed, it began circulating on social media platforms on Monday. Within the clip, Senator Alli questioned the validity of the ceremony, drawing a parallel to a traditional saying: "At the place I went to, people said I’ve been made a traditional ruler. But our father says you don’t cut someone’s hair in his absence."
He further remarked that the event appeared more like a theatrical performance than a genuine installation, suggesting it lacked proper adherence to customary practices.
Senator Alli’s critique comes amidst the recent controversial decision by the Oyo State Government to confer the titles of Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland upon Akeem Adewoyin, Kola Babalola, and Sharafadeen Alli, respectively, without their attendance at the event.
The senator also alleged that the ceremony proceeded despite the individuals’ inability to be present, attributing this to the government's alleged focus on financial expenditure over adherence to due process.
"You said you wanted to install three persons but those three gave reasons why they can’t be present. Instead of rescheduling the event, you insisted on the ceremony just because of the N1.5 billion cost," he stated.
He further implied that external influences were shaping the governor's decisions, though he stressed that he held no personal grievances against Governor Makinde or his deputy. "Our only concern is those who are influencing the governor negatively. I don’t have any quarrel with the governor… but some people are influencing them negatively," he added.
Senator Alli advocated for an open discussion to resolve the matter, acknowledging that the controversy had now become a subject of public discourse.
Background
The April ceremony represents the latest development in the ongoing reforms of the chieftaincy system under the Makinde administration. Previously, in February, the governor approved the elevation of 14 Oyo chiefs to the status of Obas, a move that occurred despite an ongoing legal challenge related to the Alaafin of Oyo's royal stool.
These actions have continued to create friction within the traditional leadership structures, particularly in Ibadan, where the succession to the Olubadan throne has historically followed a precise and predictable hierarchical progression among its high chiefs.
The dispute has also taken on a political dimension, with former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose recently claiming that there were intentions that could potentially impact Oba Rashidi Ladoja's position within the Ibadan succession line, further intensifying discussions on the government's involvement in traditional affairs.
Governor Makinde, however, maintains that the presentation of office staffs to the elevated chiefs was conducted in accordance with the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration and relevant sections of the Oyo State Chiefs Law. He asserted that the law grants the executive governor the authority to bestow beaded crowns upon promoted high chiefs in Ibadanland and affirmed the ceremony's legitimacy.
Significance of the Reform
The current dispute surrounding the Ibadan appointments is rooted in the protracted changes to the city's traditional hierarchy and the increasing influence of the Oyo State Government in these matters.
Traditionally, Ibadan has a well-defined system of succession, where high chiefs progress through specific ranks to eventually become the Olubadan.
Amendments to the Chiefs Law, initially introduced during the tenure of former Governor Ajimobi and continued by Governor Makinde, allow for multiple high chiefs to hold the title of Oba while still being in the line of succession to the Olubadan. The government argues that this approach ensures the continuity of the traditional system.
However, these reforms have encountered opposition. A similar initiative in 2017 faced significant backlash, with several senior chiefs opting to boycott the proceedings.
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