Oyo 2027: Intrigue as Makinde’s govt schedules APC gubernatorial hopeful for coronation

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

In what some are already describing as political intrigue ahead of the 2027 election, the Oyo State Government has listed governorship hopeful Senator Sarafadeen Ali as one of the high chiefs due for elevation for wearing of beaded crown in Ibadanland.

Senator Ali had in the past few days being speculated as favoured for emergence as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC for the 2027 Oyo governorship election.

Unconfirmed reports had indicated that he was favoured above Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power who has been vocal about his ambition to succeed Seyi Makinde as the governor of Oyo State.

However, in a letter by Oyo Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo to the Olubadan Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Ali who is the Ekaarun Balogun Olubadan, was listed among newly elevated high chiefs due for elevation to beaded crown wearing kings at a coronation ceremony scheduled for 3 April, 2026.

The other High Chiefs slated for coronation at the event, according to the letter, are Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin who is the Ekeerin Olubadan and High Chief Kola Babalola who is the Ekaarun Olubadan

The coronation will hold at Mapo Hall, Ibadan

The Commissioner said the letter, issued in response to a request from the Olubadan for a list of High Chiefs and Baales due for elevation.

He added that that while compilation is underway, it is “traditionally necessary and essential” for recently promoted members of the Olubadan-in-Council to immediately receive their beaded crowns.

According to the commissioner, any delay could generate “unnecessary insinuations” or political interpretations, which the government is keen to avoid in order to safeguard the integrity of the Ibadan traditional institution.

“To this end, Your Majesty is hereby informed that the coronation/crown wearing programme for the above-mentioned High Chiefs has been fixed for Friday 3rd April 2026 at Mapo Hall Ibadan.

Ojo conveyed the government’s readiness for the ceremony and thanked the Olubadan for his cooperation as preparations progress for the historic event.

However, some APC members and supporters of Ali have argued that the coronation may be a ploy by the state government to stop

Ibadan chieftaincy law prohibits crown wearing chiefs in the Olubadan-in-council from openly participating in partisan politics.

This indicates that promotion of Ali who is the present Senator representing Oyo South senatorial district will halt his bid to run for the 2027 gubernatorial seat in the state.

Will Ali accepted to be crowned and forfeit his gubernatorial ambition? That’s the question that will be answered in the next few days.