Tension in Ibadan over Oyo Govt’s plan to install Senator Sharafadeen Alli as beaded-crown Oba

Tension is mounting in Ibadan, Oyo State, following the state government’s move to install Sharafadeen Alli, a gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a beaded-crown-wearing Oba in Ibadanland.

Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was named among those to be elevated in a Thursday announcement made via a letter signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo.

The letter, dated March 26, 2026, and addressed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, stated that the coronation was long overdue.

Alongside Alli, High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin and High Chief Kola Babalola were also listed to be installed as Obas. Ojo added that the ceremony is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at Mapo Hall.

The announcement has sparked tension across parts of Ibadan, with the issue becoming a major topic of discussion, particularly among the political class.

Various groups and individuals analyzing the situation have offered differing views, with some describing the planned coronation as a positive development and others calling it an act of political vendetta.

While some observers believe the move is aimed at stalling Alli’s gubernatorial ambition, others argue that the coronation would not negatively affect his political aspirations.

One Ibadan indigene pointed out that existing laws do not bar Alli from becoming governor even if he is installed as a beaded-crown Oba.

“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,” he said.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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