The Oyo State Government has directed that a governorship aspirant, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, be conferred with a beaded crown as part of moves involving newly elevated high chiefs in Ibadanland.
The directive was contained in a letter issued by the Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, dated March 26, 2026, and addressed to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In the correspondence, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, the government listed High Chief Alli, who holds the title of Ekaarun Balogun, among those to be elevated with beaded crowns.
The letter stated, “while making arrangement for the compilation of the High Chiefs and Baales who are due for beaded crown wearing in Ibadanland as requested, it is traditionally necessary and very essential at this point in time that the newly elevated Chiefs in Olubadan-in-Council… should be immediately conferred with beaded crowns in order to avoid unnecessary insinuation that the delay is deliberate and political.”
Other chiefs named for the elevation include High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin, Ekerin Olubadan, and High Chief Kola Daisi, Ekaarun Olubadan.
The government added, “This is necessary in order to protect the Ibadan traditional institution.”
It further fixed the coronation, noting that “the coronation/crown wearing programme for the above-mentioned High Chiefs has been fixed for: Friday 3rd April, 2026 at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.”
High Chief Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, is widely seen as a key figure in the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State.
