The Oubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Friday, elevated six traditional chiefs in the Balogun line, including Oba Tajudeen Ajibola and Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, following the vacancies created by his ascension to the throne.
The elevation also followed the demise of the late Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, who died on July 24, 2024, after a brief illness.
The monarch performed the promotion exercise at his palace, Oke Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
Oba Tajudeen Ajibola was elevated from Otun Balogun to Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Kolawole Adegbola was promoted from Asipa Balogun to Otun Balogun of Ibadanland; and Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada was moved from Ekerin Balogun to Osi Balogun of Ibadanland.
Others include Oba Dauda Azeez (absent but represented) who rose from Ekarun Balogun to Asipa Balogun of Ibadanland; Senior Chief Akeem Adewoyin climbed the ladder from Abese Balogun to Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland and Senior Chief (Senator) Alli who advanced from Maye Balogun to Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin urged them to use their new positions for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.
He further admonished them to dedicate their lives to the service of humanity and stressed the need for selflessness in their endeavours in the new tasks.
Meanwhile, the traditional chieftaincy rites had earlier been performed by the Oluwo of Ibadanland, Chief Wahab Labosinde, who decorated them with the traditional Akoko leaves.
Dignitaries at the event were the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Governor of the state, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; notable sons and daughters of Ibadanland; religious leaders, guests and a host of others.
