Olushola Omogbehin
A new political tension has emerged in Oyo as the state government move to install a leading gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sharafadeen Alli, as Oba in Ibadanland.
The coronation is said to involve High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin as Ekerin Olubadan, High Chief Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli as Ekaarun Balogun, and High Chief Kola Babalola as Ekaarun Olubadan.
The inclusion of Alli who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has attracted attention because of his prominence in the APC and his said interest in the party’s governorship ticket for 2027 election.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo in a letter dated 26 March, 2026 and addressed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Ojo said that the coronation ceremony has been scheduled for April 3, 2026, adding that the event is billed to take place at Mapo Hall.
Also, Olubadan’s media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, said the palace had received the communication and forwarded it to the affected traditional titleholders.
According to palace sources, while Adewoyin asked to be conferred with a beaded crown, Alli did not make a similar request.
This development has however generated tension in some parts of the state as a result of the announcement.
As it has become the subject of discussion especially among the political class, many people have seen this as a deliberate plan for a political vendetta aimed at ending Alli’s gubernatorial ambition.
APC in Oyo State has also reacted to the development and described it as mindless abandonment of governance by Governor Seyi Makinde for politics.
APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Olawale Sadare, challenged Makinde on the amount of time and state resources spent in a bid to take full control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the expense of the people of the state.
