Since taking office in May 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde has made remarkable strides in shaping the traditional leadership structure of Oyo State. With his administration's commitment to enhancing cultural heritage and promoting unity, Governor Makinde has installed an impressive number of new monarchs and elevated traditional rulers, solidifying his legacy as a transformative leader in the state. Over the past eight years, Makinde's administration has appointed 10 first-class kings and elevated over 40 Baales, surpassing records set by past governors in both old and new Oyo State.
First-Class Monarchs Installed:
Governor Makinde’s tenure has seen the elevation of significant first-class monarchs, who have played crucial roles in uniting their respective communities and advancing traditional governance.
1. Oba Lekan Balogun (42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland): Installed on March 11, 2022, he brought a wealth of experience and vision to the historic Ibadan Kingdom.
2. Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland): Presented with the staff of office on July 12, 2024, marking a significant moment in the continuation of the Ibadan monarchy’s legacy.
3. Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade (Alaafin of Oyo): Installed on January 13, 2025, he ascended the throne of one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional titles, continuing the rich history of the Alaafin dynasty.
4. Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III (Aseyin of Iseyin): Ascended the throne on December 14, 2023, bringing new leadership to the Iseyin Kingdom, known for its history and cultural significance.
5. Oba Afolabi Ghandi Laoye (Soun of Ogbomoso): Installed on December 19, 2023, he assumed the revered Soun title with a vision for community development and progress.
6. Oba Sakiru Oyewole Akanni Oyelere (Onifiditi of Fiditi): Presented with the staff of office on July 3, 2024, he now leads Fiditi with a focus on preserving local traditions while fostering growth.
7. Oba Cornelius Abiola Taiwo Oladokun (Alaawe of Awe): Installed on July 5, 2024, he has already embarked on initiatives to revitalize cultural practices in Awe and promote local governance.
8. Oba Titiloye Oyekanmi Sunday (Elempe of Tapa): Presented with the staff of office on July 8, 2024, he aims to strengthen the leadership structure in Tapa, a community rich in tradition.
9. Oba Olakunle Samuel Oladejo Alagbe (Amura of Ladokun): Installed to enhance the traditional institutions within the Ogbomoso region, further solidifying the area’s leadership strength.
10. Oba Abiodun Oyerinde Owolabi (Onibise of Ibise-Otu): Elevated to promote cultural heritage and leadership in his community, emphasizing the importance of tradition and unity.
Baales and Chiefs Elevated to Monarchs:
In addition to the 10 first-class kings, Governor Makinde’s administration has also focused on elevating numerous Baales and Chiefs, empowering them to lead their communities with renewed purpose. These appointments further highlight the governor's commitment to fostering traditional governance at the grassroots level.
1. Chief Oyelowo Joseph Oyetunde (Apeerin of Saki): Presented with the instrument of office, he has been charged with leading Saki towards greater development and unity.
2. Prince James Okanlawon Adigun (Lasigbon-Kinnikinni of Saki): Installed to further strengthen traditional leadership in Saki and preserve the community's cultural integrity.
3. Alhaji Jimoh Adeola Ayiki (Baale Oke-Oro of Saki): Elevated to deepen the role of traditional leadership in the area, empowering the community to thrive.
4. Alhaji Raimi Aiki Boorepo (Baale-Iya of Saki): Installed to enhance the traditional leadership structure and promote peace within Saki.
5. Chief Thomas Opoola Olaore (Ariina III of Komu): Elevated to preserve the cultural heritage of Komu and enhance its leadership structure.
6. Chief Olaniyi Adeoye Adegboye III (Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oyo): Presented with the instrument of office, he is dedicated to community development and ensuring the progress of Ojongbodu.
7. Chief David Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo of Aguo, Oyo): Elevated to strengthen traditional governance in Aguo, with a vision for sustainable leadership.
8. Chief Samuel Olusegun Odurinde (Alajagba of Ajagba, Oyo): Installed to promote unity and enhance leadership within the Ajagba community.
9. Chief Isiaka Tella Titiloye (Ona Isokun of Isokun, Oyo): Recognized for his contributions to community development and leadership in Isokun.
10. Chief Salawu Abu Oyeniran (Onigudugbu of Gudugbu, Oyo): Elevated to foster progress and unity in Gudugbu, ensuring strong traditional governance.
11. Chief Jimoh Ajiboye Oyeleye (Alakeetan of Akeetan, Oyo): Presented with the instrument of office, strengthening his role as a leader in the Akeetan community.
12. Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye Busari (Alago-Oja of Oyo): Installed to further enhance the traditional leadership in Oyo, promoting sustainable development.
13. Chief Abel Olufemi Oyekan (Elepe of Iseke, Oyo): Elevated to ensure effective governance and progress in Iseke, while maintaining traditional practices.
14. Chief Oyeleke Yusuf Isola (Onikoyi of Ikoyi, Oyo): Installed to foster strong leadership in Ikoyi, prioritizing cultural heritage.
15. Chief Adebayo Olagoke (Olubadan of Ibadanland): Presented with the instrument of office, playing an instrumental role in preserving Ibadan’s cultural richness.
16. Chief Adebayo Ayorinde (Oba of Ogbomoso): Elevated to enhance leadership in Ogbomoso and ensure continued progress in the region.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to installing these traditional leaders and elevating many more Baales is a testament to his vision of strengthening traditional governance across Oyo State. His efforts are helping to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the state while ensuring that the leadership structures remain dynamic and responsive to the needs of the people.
This legacy of empowering traditional rulers is poised to continue contributing to Oyo State's growth and prosperity, marking Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure as one that truly transformed the state's leadership landscape.
Keywords: Seyi Makinde, Traditional Rulers, Oyo State, First-Class Kings, Baales, Monarch Appointments, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Alaafin of Oyo, Aseyin of Iseyin, Oyo State Leadership, Cultural Heritage, Traditional Governance, Community Development
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