Meet 10 Chiefs Elevated by Olubadan After Two Succession Vacancies

The age-long Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system again underscored its uniqueness on Friday as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), elevated 10 high chiefs within the Otun (Civil) Chieftaincy Line, reaffirming a succession structure widely regarded as one of the most organised and transparent traditional leadership models in Nigeria.

Designed to prepare every title holder for greater responsibilities and the ultimate duty of service to Ibadanland, the system witnessed another seamless transition during a colourful ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

The promotion exercise, which followed the traditional “Kán Ilẹ̀kùn” rite and vacancies created by the deaths of the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Raufu Delesolu, and the Asaaju Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Adetunji Olanihun, attracted members of the Olubadan-in-Council, traditional title holders, Mogajis, Baales and other distinguished guests.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the new Ikolaba Olubadan, Chief (Engr.) Dauda Kolawole Gbadamosi, thanked the monarch and the council for the confidence reposed in them, pledging their unwavering commitment to the development and prosperity of Ibadanland.

The elevation exercise was announced in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, who quoted Oba Ladoja as reminding the newly promoted chiefs that their elevation signified greater responsibilities rather than privilege.

The monarch urged them to champion peace, unity, security, economic advancement, religious harmony, food sufficiency and to distance themselves from land grabbing and other acts capable of tarnishing the revered Olubadan throne.

Those in attendance included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sir) Eddy Oyewole; the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Kolawole Adegbola; 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; the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, as well as representatives of the Iyalode Line, including Chiefs Taye Soyege, Durosaro Yewande and Onibiyo Scott. 

Also present were Mrs. Bola Doherty (MFR), Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief (Mrs.) Iswat Abiola Ameringun, Hon. Bola Fawole, Mogajis, Baales and other invited guests.

In this special report, we present to you the list of the newly promoted chiefs in the Otun Chieftaincy Line of Ibadanland and their new titles. Enjoy the read.

Chief (Engr.) Dauda Kolawole Gbadamosi

An engineer and respected Ibadan statesman, Chief Gbadamosi now occupies the prestigious office of Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, one of the highest positions in the Otun line. He spoke on behalf of the promoted chiefs, assuring the Olubadan of their loyalty and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the progress of Ibadanland.

Chief Williams Oyeleke Oyekola

Chief Oyekola rose to the position of Asaaju Olubadan of Ibadanland following the vacancy created in the line of succession. He is regarded as one of the experienced traditional title holders steadily advancing through the revered Ibadan chieftaincy hierarchy.

Chief Oluyinka Akande

Chief Oluyinka Akande

A respected member of the Otun chieftaincy line, Chief Akande was elevated to the title of Ayingun Olubadan of Ibadanland, marking another milestone in his progression within the traditional leadership structure.

Chief Olufemi Olukorede Ogunwale 

Chief Ogunwale assumed the office of Aare-Ago Olubadan of Ibadanland, further advancing along the carefully structured succession system that prepares title holders for higher responsibilities.

Barrister Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde 

Barrister Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde 

A legal practitioner and accomplished administrator, Barrister Chief Makinde was promoted to Oota Olubadan of Ibadanland, bringing his wealth of professional experience to the service of Ibadan’s traditional institution. Barrister Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde is the elder brother of the Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde. 

Chief Wasiu Aderoju Aladorin

Chief Aladorin moved up to the office of Lagunna Olubadan of Ibadanland, continuing his steady progression within the civil line of the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system.

Chief Abiola Iyiola

Chief Abiola Iyiola

Chief Iyiola was elevated as Aare Egbe Omo Olubadan of Ibadanland, a significant step in the succession process that recognises commitment and continuity within the traditional institution.

(L-R) Engr. Chief Dotun Sanusi, Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja and Chief Mrs. Sanusi.

Engr. Chief Dotun Sanusi

Renowned businessman and industrialist, Chief Dotun Sanusi was promoted to Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland. Widely known for his investments, philanthropy and contributions to community development, his elevation further strengthens his role in Ibadan’s traditional leadership. He is the Chairman and CEO of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ibadan, and also the Okanlomo Oodua.

Hon. Chief Akinola Alabi flanked by the Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Hon. Chief Akinola Alabi

Entrepreneur and federal lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Akinola Alabi rose to the position of Aare Onibon Olubadan of Ibadanland, adding another milestone to his journey within the Ibadan traditional hierarchy.

Chief Oladiran Abiodun Alabi 

Chief Oladiran Abiodun Alabi completed the list of beneficiaries with his elevation as Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland, taking another important step in the succession ladder that could ultimately lead to the revered Olubadan throne.