Ibadan Obas: Chieftaincy can’t stop anyone from contesting election – Lawyer
Recent reports regarding the elevation of Ibadan High Chiefs to beaded-crown-wearing Obas have sparked a legal and political debate in Oyo State, particularly concerning their eligibility to participate in active politics.
The crux of the matter revolves around Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South) and two other High Chiefs—Bolaji Adewoyin and Kola Babalola—whose promotion to Obaship was recently approved by the state government.
The Legal Argument: "Chieftaincy vs. Constitutional Rights"
A legal perspective recently gaining traction—often cited by experts following the government's announcement—asserts that holding a traditional title does not legally disqualify a citizen from contesting an election.
No Express Prohibition: Lawyers argue that there is no specific provision in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria or the Electoral Act that bars a traditional ruler or chief from running for office.
Moral vs. Legal: While tradition typically dictates that monarchs should be "fathers of all" and remain politically neutral, legal experts clarify that this is a moral and traditional expectation, not a statutory one.
Fundamental Rights: Under Nigerian law, every citizen has the right to vote and be voted for, provided they meet the age and educational requirements and are not disqualified by specific constitutional bars (such as criminal conviction or insanity).
Key Developments in Ibadan
Coronation Date: The Oyo State Government fixed the coronation ceremony for the affected High Chiefs for Friday, April 3, 2026, at Mapo Hall.
The "Political" Undertone: Critics, including the APC in Oyo State, have questioned the timing of these promotions. There is speculation that elevating Senator Sharafadeen Alli to an "Oba" might be a strategic move to complicate his potential 2027 gubernatorial ambitions, as traditional rulers are generally expected to resign or remain apolitical.
Chieftaincy Law Amendment: The promotion follows the 2024 Chieftaincy Law (as amended), which revised the Olubadan succession line. Under the new rules, only "Beaded Crown Obas" in the Balogun and Otun lines are eligible to be proposed for the throne of the Olubadan.
While the state government insists the elevation is to "protect the Ibadan traditional institution" and reflect the city’s growing population, the legal consensus remains that becoming an Oba does not automatically strip a person of their constitutional right to contest an election, unless they choose to resign the title to maintain traditional decorum.
