Oyo State Government's Move to Crown Senator Ali Raises Eyebrows Ahead of 2027 Election
The Oyo State Government has scheduled a coronation ceremony for Senator Sarafadeen Ali, a gubernatorial hopeful of the All Progressives Congress, APC, amidst speculation that he may be forced to forfeit his ambition. According to a letter from the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, to the Olubadan Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Senator Ali is among the high chiefs due for elevation to beaded crown wearing kings on April 3, 2026. The ceremony will take place at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
The move has sparked concerns that the government may be attempting to circumvent the Ibadan chieftaincy law, which prohibits crown-wearing chiefs from openly participating in partisan politics. This could potentially bar Senator Ali from contesting in the 2027 gubernatorial election. The Commissioner's letter suggests that the government is keen to avoid any controversy that may arise from a delay in the coronation ceremony.
The Oyo State Government's decision to crown Senator Sarafadeen Ali ahead of the 2027 election raises serious questions about the integrity of the Ibadan traditional institution. By promoting a high-profile gubernatorial hopeful, the government is effectively forcing him to choose between his chieftaincy title and his political ambition. This move is a clear attempt to undermine the Ibadan chieftaincy law and silence Senator Ali's critics within the APC. As a result, everyday Nigerians in Oyo State will be the ones to suffer the consequences of this power play. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how Senator Ali will respond to this challenge.
