…fixes coronation for April 3
Tension is currently heightening in Ibadan, the Oyo State over government’s moves to install one of the gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Sharafadeen Alli as a beaded crown wearing Oba in Ibadan.
The move to install Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, was announced on Thursday, via a letter signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo.
Ojo in the letter dated 26 March, 2026 and addressed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, said the coronation is long overdue.
Those listed to be installed as Obas are High Chief Alli, High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin and High Chief Kola Babalola.
The state government maintained that the coronation ceremony has been scheduled for April 3, 2026, adding that the event is billed to take place at Mapo Hall.
It was however, gathered that tension has enveloped some parts of Ibadan as a result of the announcement, as the issue has become the subject of discussion, especially among the political class.
According to different groups and individuals analysing the situation, the planned coronation may be a good development or a political vendetta.
While some see it as a move to stop Alli’s gubernatorial ambition, others are of the opinion that the coronation cannot affect his ambition negatively.
An indigene of Ibadan, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that the existing law does not bar Alli from becoming governor even if he is installed as a beaded crown wearing Oba.
He said, “It is a matter of law. The law does not stop him from aspiring to be governor. He can even reject the beaded crown. Do you know that the current Olubadan rejected the crown initially? It was when he was ready to become Olubadan that he accepted it.”
