Adejola Adeyemi Crown
Three newly elevated High Chiefs in Ibadanland failed to attend their own coronation ceremony on Friday as the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presented beaded crowns and instruments of office to them at Mapo Hall.
The affected chiefs, who were recently elevated to the status of Obas, are Sharafadeen Ali, Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, and Oyekola Babalola.
It was gathered that the trio had earlier requested a postponement of the ceremony, citing different reasons for their inability to attend.
Sources disclosed that Ali was engaged in a national assignment, while Babalola was said to be outside the country for medical treatment.
Adewoyin’s absence, it was further learnt, was linked to the short notice given for the ceremony, which reportedly did not allow adequate time for preparation.
Despite their absence, the governor proceeded with the presentation, which took place at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
Meanwhile, both the governor and a former Oyo State Governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, were represented at the event.
The Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, stood in for Makinde, while the Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, represented Oba Ladoja.
Members of the Olubadan-in-Council attended the ceremony, with the exception of Hamidu Ajibade.
Also present were traditional rulers from across the state, including the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Francis Alao; the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Samuel Adegbola; and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu.
However, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Afolabi Olaoye Ghandi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, were also absent at the event.
