The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has elevated Chief Taiwo Ige Akande Odunlami, Chief Adenrele Lekan Salami Oyetunde, Chief Adegboyegba Taofeek Adegokeand six other chiefs to higher traditional ranks in Ibadanland.
The installation ceremony took place at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Friday, marking another stage in the traditional progression of the nine chiefs within the Balogun line of the Olubadan chieftaincy system.
The other chiefs elevated are Chief Lateef Adetokunbo Akintola, Chief Nureni Adebayo Akanbi, Chief Kayode Afolabi Kadelu, Chief Monsur Abiola Olatunji Arulogun, Chief Remi Babalola Ogidi and Chief Adewale Abass Kadri.
As part of the installation rites, the chiefs prostrated three times before the Olubadan in reverence to the monarch before being adorned with the traditional chieftaincy leaf, marking their installation into their new positions.
Akande, of the Odunlami Compound in Olorisa-Oko, was elevated from Aare Onibon Balogun to Gbonka Balogun of Ibadanland. Salami advanced from Ajia Balogun to Bada Balogun, while Adegoke moved from Aare Egbe Omo Balogun to Oota Balogun of Ibadanland.
Akintola was elevated from Aare Akogun Balogun to Aare Alasa Balogun; Akanbi moved from Aare Kakanfo Balogun to Aare Akin Balogun; Kadelu advanced from Aare Akin Balogun to Aare Kakanfo Balogun; Arulogun moved from Aare Agbaakin Balogun to Aare Akogun Balogun; Ogidi advanced from Aare Bashorun Balogun to Aare Agbaakin Balogun; and Kadri moved from Aare Akin Balogun to Aare Bashorun Balogun.
Recall that Adegoke is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Oyo State for the 2027 election.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his installation, Akande described the occasion as a glorious day for his family and compound, saying the elevation represented the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration.
He attributed his progress in the traditional institution to God’s grace, noting that becoming a Mogaji and eventually advancing through the Olubadan chieftaincy line was a significant achievement.
“It takes the grace of God to be selected as one of the Mogaji, eventually become a lineage in the Olubadan land. It’s a great moment for us, and I’m more than happy,” Akande said.
The newly elevated Gbonka Balogun also pledged to devote more of his time and resources to the people he represents, describing service to them as a responsibility close to his heart.
“They are always at the front of my heart, and my aim in life. To them, I owe my existence, and my decision is to spend a lot of my life for them. With this one, I’m more charged again to do more for them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Salami proceeded to the Oyetunde Palace following his installation to perform a traditional rite associated with his new chieftaincy title accompanied by friends and well-wishers who joined him as he marked the occasion.
The nine promotions reflect the established progression through the Balogun line, with each chief moving to the next rank in the traditional succession system.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
