Olubadan elevates Oyo APC governorship candidate Alli

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

Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, disclosed the development in a statement shared on his X account on Saturday.

He said he was unable to attend the ceremony held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, because he was in the Holy Land performing Umrah.

The senator expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the elevation and thanked Oba Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council for the confidence reposed in him.

He also appreciated the Mogajis, traditional rulers, Baales, political associates and friends who represented him at the ceremony.

Elevation comes with responsibility

Alli described his new position as more than a change in traditional title, saying advancement within the Olubadan hierarchy comes with increased responsibility to the people.

He said the honour would further strengthen his commitment to contributing to the peace, progress and development of Ibadanland.

“A step up in rank is a step up in responsibility.

“In Ibadanland, honour comes with service, and progression comes with greater responsibility to the people. This elevation is therefore not simply a new title. It is 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.

Alli added that he accepted the elevation as a responsibility entrusted to him by his people and expressed readiness to take on the duties attached to his new position.

“I receive this honour as a responsibility from my people, and I am ready for the work ahead,” he said.

Progression through the Balogun line

The latest elevation forms part of the progression of traditional chiefs through the Balogun line of the Olubadan succession system.

Alli was previously elevated from Maye Balogun to Ekarun Balogun in August 2024 by the then Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. His latest elevation under Oba Ladoja now places him at the Ekerin Balogun level.

In March 2026, the Oyo State Government also approved Alli’s elevation to the rank of a beaded crown-wearing Oba.

His coronation, alongside two other high chiefs, subsequently took place in April, although Alli was not present at the ceremony.

The senator’s latest traditional elevation comes as he continues his political activities as the APC candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election. In his statement, however, Alli focused on the traditional responsibility attached to the new position, stressing his readiness to serve the people and contribute to the development of Ibadanland.