Days after coronation in absentia, Alli still listed as High Chief

Fresh controversy has continued to trail the elevation of some Ibadan High Chiefs to Obaship status, as emerging indications point to political calculations, procedural gaps, and questions over legitimacy and acceptance of the new traditional arrangement.

The controversy deepened after Chief Sharafadeen Alli was still described as a High Chief in the official programme of an event held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, days after the Oyo State Government announced his elevation to Obaship status.

The event, presided over by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was organised for the promotion of Chief Oladiran Alabi to Jagun Olubadan.

While two other beneficiaries of the controversial coronation exercise were addressed as “His Royal Majesty” in the same programme, Alli’s continued identification as a High Chief has sparked renewed debate over recognition, acceptance, and possible strategic rejection of the title.

The development comes against the backdrop of the planned formal presentation of staff of office to newly elevated crown-wearing Obas in Ibadanland by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, scheduled for Friday at Mapo Hall.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the ceremony was expected to officially confirm the elevation of Chief Alli, Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola into Obaship status within the Ibadan traditional structure.

However, reports ahead of the event indicated uncertainty over participation, as all three beneficiaries were said to be unavailable for the ceremony, with sources citing travel, national assignment, and medical reasons.

One palace source noted that the timing of the elevation letter contributed to the tension surrounding the process.

“The government just sent the notice last week. Kabiyesi informed all the affected high chiefs immediately. To be candid, the responses were mixed, and preparations were affected,” the source said.

Another insider disclosed that the absence of the beneficiaries may not be unconnected to dissatisfaction over the short notice and the wider controversy surrounding the reform.

“They are not happy about how everything is being rushed. There are also political undertones, especially in Alli’s case,” the source added.

A political dimension has also been linked to the development. Sources familiar with emerging political alignments in Oyo State said Alli’s elevation into the traditional institution may have implications for his widely speculated interest in the 2027 governorship race under the All Progressives Congress.

Under existing conventions and the Oyo State Chiefs Law, holders of recognised beaded crown titles are expected to remain politically neutral, effectively barring them from active partisan politics or elective office while still occupying traditional positions.

A political analyst explained that this factor alone may be shaping reactions to the elevation.

“Once you become a crown-wearing Oba, you are constitutionally and traditionally expected to withdraw from partisan politics. That reality alone changes calculations for anyone with political ambition,” the analyst said.

Beyond politics, questions have also been raised about the traditional process itself, particularly the concept of “coronation in absentia,” which has divided opinion among cultural stakeholders in Ibadanland.

While government officials insist the reforms are backed by law and aimed at strengthening the traditional institution, critics argue that deviations from established customs risk undermining legitimacy.

Observers also point to inconsistencies in official documentation as a possible signal of unresolved disputes within the traditional hierarchy.

“In Ibadan, titles are not casually misrepresented. If someone is still listed as High Chief, it reflects something deeper than an editorial error,” a source familiar with the palace structure said.

Despite the controversy, the Oyo State Government maintains that the elevation process is lawful and necessary to preserve order within the traditional system.

Meanwhile, the Olubadan palace has denied any rift between the traditional institution and the state government, insisting that the affected chiefs had formally communicated their unavailability and requested postponement of the ceremony.