UPDATE: Gbadamosi, Sanusi, others receive new titles as Olubadan promotes Ibadan chiefs

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Friday promoted 10 traditional chiefs to higher positions in the Otun Chieftaincy Line, describing their elevation as a call to greater service and commitment to the development of Ibadanland.

The promotion ceremony took place at the Banquet Hall of the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan. During the event, the monarch urged the newly promoted chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership and dedication to the ancient city.

Oba Ladoja said the new positions come with greater responsibilities. He called on the chiefs to work together to sustain peace, unity and progress, while contributing to economic development, improving security, promoting religious harmony and supporting food sufficiency in Ibadanland.

The monarch also warned the chiefs against land grabbing and other criminal activities capable of tarnishing the image of the revered Olubadan throne. He stressed that traditional leaders must uphold integrity and protect the dignity of the institution at all times.

A statement issued after the ceremony by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, said the monarch reminded the chiefs that leadership should always be rooted in selfless service and the collective interest of the people.

Among those promoted were Chief (Engr.) Dauda Kolawole Gbadamosi, who became the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland; Chief Williams Oyeleke Oyekola, now Asaaju Olubadan; Chief Oluyinka Akande, now Ayingun Olubadan; Chief Olufemi Olukorede Ogunwale, now Aare-Ago Olubadan; Chief Wasiu Aderoju Aladorin, now Lagunna Olubadan; Chief Abiola Iyiola, now Aare-Egbe Omo Olubadan; Chief Dotun Sanusi, now Gbonka Olubadan; Chief Akinola Alabi, now Aare Onibon Olubadan; and Chief Oladiran Abiodun Alabi, now Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted chiefs, Gbadamosi expressed appreciation to the Olubadan and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for the honour. He assured the monarch of their continued loyalty and commitment to supporting his vision for the growth and development of Ibadanland.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole; the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; the Ashipa Balogun, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; the Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, as well as Mogajis, Baales, representatives of the Iyalode Line and other invited guests.