Senator Sharafadeen Alli has received a fresh elevation in the traditional hierarchy of Ibadanland, declaring that the new honour comes with greater responsibility as he continues his political journey towards the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, announced his elevation from Ekarun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland to Ekerin Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland in a statement expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah, the Olubadan and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council.
His latest elevation comes months after he was dramatically crowned an Oba in absentia by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration in a development that generated considerable controversy across Ibadan’s traditional and political circles.
On April 3, 2026, Makinde’s administration proceeded with the installation of Alli and two other High Chiefs as Obas at Mapo Hall, despite their absence from the ceremony and an earlier request for the event to be postponed.
Alli was then conferred with the title of Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.
The unusual ceremony immediately acquired a political dimension because Alli was already regarded as one of the prominent figures with governorship ambitions ahead of 2027.
Some political commentators interpreted the decision to crown him in absentia as a possible strategy to complicate his political ambitions, particularly as Governor Makinde’s succession plan was becoming a major subject of discussion in Oyo politics.
That interpretation became even more intriguing after Makinde eventually identified former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 election.
Makinde has publicly defended his choice of Adekanmbi, saying competence rather than party affiliation was central to his decision.
Against that background, Alli’s latest elevation carries an interesting political undertone.
Rather than retreating from public life, the senator has continued to combine his traditional responsibilities with an increasingly aggressive political campaign, eventually emerging as the APC candidate for the 2027 governorship contest.
His latest message, however, was not framed around political confrontation.
Instead, Alli spoke of gratitude, service, humility and responsibility as he acknowledged his elevation by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council.
Significantly, Alli is currently in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj, and could not personally attend the elevation ceremony at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
He expressed gratitude to those who represented him at the ceremony, particularly members of the Mogaji family, traditional rulers, Baales, political associates and friends led by the Director-General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe.
Alhaji Abdullahi Abiola Alli, representing the Olofiere family, was also singled out for special appreciation.
For Alli, the new position is more than another traditional title.
“A step up in rank is a step up in responsibility,” he declared, stressing that honour in Ibadanland is inseparable from service to the people.
He further linked the elevation to his broader political vision for Oyo State, saying the Oyo AHEAD agenda is centred on a state that works, prosperous citizens, stronger communities and a future that inspires collective pride.
“I receive this honour as a responsibility from my people, and I am ready for the work ahead,” Alli said.
His declaration adds another layer to an already intriguing political journey.
Months ago, his absence from Mapo Hall did not prevent the government from crowning him an Oba, a development described by many as unprecedented and surrounded by political speculation.
Today, while physically thousands of kilometres away in the Holy Land, Alli has again received an elevation in absentia — this time from the traditional institution under the authority of the Olubadan.
The contrast has not been lost on political observers.
What began with a controversial crown at Mapo Hall has now evolved into another chapter in Alli’s traditional and political journey, with the senator making it clear that neither honour nor political ambition will take him away from what he describes as the responsibility to serve.
As the 2027 contest steadily takes shape, the battle for Oyo is increasingly becoming a contest of personalities, political structures, succession plans and competing visions for the state.
For Alli, his message from the Holy Land is unmistakable: the crown may represent honour, but the real test, in his words, is the work ahead.
“Ibadan is moving. Oyo is moving. And together, we must keep moving AHEAD,” he declared.
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