The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Friday promoted 10 traditional chiefs to higher positions in the Otun Chieftaincy Line, urging them to regard their elevation as a call to greater service and commitment to the progress of Ibadanland.
The promotion ceremony was held at the Banquet Hall of the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, and was attended by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, traditional rulers, chiefs and other dignitaries.
Addressing the newly elevated chiefs, Oba Ladoja congratulated them on their advancement but reminded them that higher traditional titles come with increased responsibilities.
He stressed that their new positions should inspire greater dedication to the development and unity of Ibadanland.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” the monarch said.
The Olubadan urged the chiefs to work collectively towards preserving peace, strengthening unity among residents and promoting sustainable development across the ancient city.
He also charged them to support efforts aimed at improving economic opportunities, enhancing security, encouraging religious harmony and ensuring food sufficiency.
In addition, the monarch warned against activities capable of bringing the traditional institution into disrepute, particularly land grabbing and other forms of criminality.
According to him, the integrity and dignity of the Olubadan stool must be protected at all times.
List Of Promoted Chiefs
The chiefs elevated during the ceremony include:
Chief (Engr.) Dauda Kolawole Gbadamosi – Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland
Chief Williams Oyeleke Oyekola – Asaaju Olubadan of Ibadanland
Chief Oluyinka Akande – Ayingun Olubadan of Ibadanland
Chief Olufemi Olukorede Ogunwale – Aare-Ago Olubadan of Ibadanland
Chief Wasiu Aderoju Aladorin – Lagunna Olubadan of Ibadanland
Chief Abiola Iyiola – Aare-Egbe Omo Olubadan of Ibadanland
Chief Dotun Sanusi – Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland
Chief Akinola Alabi – Aare Onibon Olubadan of Ibadanland
Chief Oladiran Abiodun Alabi – Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted chiefs, the new Ikolaba Olubadan, Chief (Engr.) Dauda Kolawole Gbadamosi, thanked the monarch and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for the confidence reposed in them.
He assured the Olubadan that the newly elevated chiefs would not take the honour for granted but would justify the confidence placed in them through dedicated service.
Gbadamosi pledged that the chiefs would work closely with Oba Ladoja and the Olubadan-in-Council to promote peace, unity and development in Ibadanland.
Dignitaries At The Ceremony
Several prominent members of the Olubadan-in-Council attended the promotion ceremony, including the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sir) Eddy Oyewole; the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; the Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.
The Iyalode Line was represented by Chief Soyege Taye, Chief Durosaro Yewande and Chief Onibiyo Scott, among other dignitaries.
The promotion exercise forms part of the long-established Ibadan traditional succession system, under which chiefs move progressively through the chieftaincy hierarchy, with qualified members eventually becoming eligible for the revered Olubadan throne.
