The crisis that followed the Olubadan chieftaincy reform carried out by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State in 2017, was laid to rest over the weekend as some chiefs who had been parading themselves as kings get new chieftaincy titles.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace, promoted five of the ‘obas’ to their new roles as high chiefs.

Amidst jokes and backslapping, the high chiefs decked in traditional agbada outfits along with their wives and well-wishers stormed the palace of Olubadan over the weekend and were ushered in with funfair before they were conferred with new roles.

All the chiefs prostrated three times each before they received akoko leaves as required by Ibadan custom and tradition.

Those who were elevated include High Chiefs Tajudeen Ajibola from Osi Balogun to Otun Balogun; High Chief Lateef Adebimpe from Asipa Balogun to Osi Balogun; High Chief Kolawole Adegbola from Ekerin Balogun to Asipa Balogun; Senior Chief Olubunmi Isioye Dada from Abese Balogun to Ekerin Balogun and Senior Chief Azeez Agagagugu, Maye Balogun to Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland.

The decision to elevate the High Chiefs came on the heels of their recommendation by Olubadan, the consenting and prescribing authority on all chieftaincy matters in Ibadanland to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde who approved same, via a letter dated December 12, 2019.

Those present include Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun; Osi Olubadan and former Governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja; Asipa Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Ekerin Olubadan, High Chief Biodun Kola-Daisi, Iyalode of Ibadan, High Chief Mrs. Theresa Oyekanmi and Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Amidu Ajibade. In the Balogun, only the Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin was present at the meeting as those affected by the elevation fell into Balogun line.

With this development, peace, which had eluded the city, since the controversial chieftaincy reform in 2017, has returned to the Olubadan-in-Council as all the vacant stools in the council have been filled.

An elated Olubadan commended the State Government Makinde, saying the high chiefs would soon be served their posting instructions into different Local Government Traditional Councils, where they would be representing him.