The reign of Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo state has been marked by a somber trend – the passing of prominent traditional monarchs.
In a span of just a few years, several revered kings have departed, leaving a void in the state’s cultural and traditional landscape.
The list of deceased monarchs includes two Olubadans, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Onikoyi of Ikoyi, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and many others, making Governor Makinde’s tenure a period of unprecedented transition for Oyo state’s traditional institutions.
Since taking office in 2019, Makinde has overseen the installation of two Olubadans of Ibadan land. The ceremonies have been notable events, drawing prominent figures and sparking public interest.
Below is a list of monarchs installed by the charismatic governor:
1. Oba Lekan Balogun Installed as 42nd Olubadan (March 11, 2022)
In February 2022, Governor Makinde approved the installation of Oba Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This followed the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council. The official installation ceremony took place on March 11th, 2022.
The event was graced by several prominent figures, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, as well as esteemed traditional leaders such as the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.
2. Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Installed as 43rd Olubadan (July 12, 2024 )
Just recently, Governor Makinde presented the staff of office to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, officially installing him as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land.
This ceremony, held on July 12, was another prestigious event attended by President Ahmed Tinubu (represented by the Minister of Power) and some state governors.
3. Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade (January 13, 2025)
Makinde of Oyo state on Monday, January 13, 2025, presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
Oba Owoade climbs on a stool left vacant after the demise of the highly-respected late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died on April 22, 2022 at the age of 83. He was the longest reigning Alaafin in Oyo history, ruling for 52 years.
Makinde enthrones local traditional rulers
Apart from the well-known stools of Alaafin of Oyo and Olubadan of Ibadan, the current governor had also handed instruments of office to a list of local traditional rulers in the Oke-Ogun axis and the Soun of Ogbomoso.
According to a statement from the government’s official website, the traditional rulers installed by the Oyo State Government include; Chief Oyelowo Joseph Oyetunde -Apeerin of Saki; Prince James Okanlawon Adigun – Lasigbon-Kinnikinni of Saki; Alhaji Jimoh Adeola Ayiki – Baale Oke-Oro and Alhaji Raimi Aiki Boorepo – Baale-Iya of Saki.
Others are Oba Abiodun Oyerinde Owolabi (Oyekuleyin l) – Onibise of Ibise-Otu; and Chief Thomas Opoola Olaore (Ariina lll) – Baale of Komu.
Makinde finally approves nomination of Oba Olakunleyin
Legit.ng had earlier reported that the Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde had approved the appointment of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land.
Makinde gave the approval in a memo dated Friday, June 14, 2024, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 19 law of Oyo state 2000 as amended