Olubadan elevates Oyo APC guber candidate Alli to Ekerin Balogun

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has elevated the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State for the 2027 election, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, from Ekarun Balogun to Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland.

Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, announced the elevation in a statement shared on his X account on Saturday. He said he was unable to attend the ceremony at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, because he was in the Holy Land performing Umrah.

Expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah, Alli said he was deeply honoured by the elevation. He also thanked Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council for the confidence reposed in him.

The senator also expressed appreciation to the Mogajis, traditional rulers, Baales, political associates and friends who represented him at the ceremony. He said the elevation was more than a change in title, describing it as a call to greater responsibility and service to the people of Ibadanland.

“A step up in rank is a step up in responsibility,” Alli said, stressing that traditional honours in Ibadanland come with an obligation to serve. He added that his elevation should strengthen his commitment to contributing to the peace, progress and development of the community.

Alli described the new position as “a renewed call to serve, to listen, to unite and to contribute even more to the peace, progress and development of our people.” He said he accepted the honour as a responsibility entrusted to him by his people and remained committed to the duties it carries.

The latest elevation is part of Alli’s progression through the Balogun line of the Olubadan succession system. In August 2024, the then Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, elevated him from Maye Balogun to Ekarun Balogun.

In March 2026, the Oyo State Government also approved Alli’s elevation to the rank of a beaded crown-wearing Oba. His coronation, alongside that of two other high chiefs, was held in April, although Alli was absent from the ceremony.