His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, Ige 1, the Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday elevated six traditional rulers in the Balogun royal line to the next position following vacancies created by his ascension to the throne and the vacuum created by the passing of Oba Lateef Adebimpe, the then Osi Balogun of Ibadanland.
The newly elevated traditional rulers were Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola who was elevated from Otun Balogun to Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Kolawole Adegbola, promoted from Asipa Balogun to Otun Balogun of Ibadanland and Oba John Olubunmi Isioye-Dada promoted from Ekerin Balogun to Osi Balogun of Ibadanland.
Others are Oba Dauda Abiodun Azeez who was represented at the event rose from Ekarun Balogun to Asipa Balogun of Ibadanland; Senior Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin who moved from Abese Balogun to Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland and Senior Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli who advanced from Maye Balogun to Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin, who performed the promotion exercise at his palace, located at Oke Aremo area congratulated the newly promoted Obas and High Chiefs on their elevation and charged them to use their new positions for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
The monarch also urged them to dedicate their lives to the service of humanity, emphasizing the need for selflessness in their programmes and activities.
Thereafter, the traditional chieftaincy rites for the elevated Obas and High Chiefs was performed by the Oluwo of Ibadanland, Chief Wahab Popoola Labosinde who decorated them with the traditional Akoko leaves.
Responding on behalf of others, His Royal Majesty, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola greatly commended Oba Olakulehin for his high quality leadership which according to him will ensure rapid socio and economic development across Ibadanland.
The monarch also urged the entire good people of Ibadanland to always cooperate with His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olakulehin, in his quest to bring more development to Ibadanland.
The historic and colourful ceremony was witnessed by members of the Olubadan–in–Council led by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande and Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade.
Others include family heads, traditional chiefs, political office holders, business men and women, religious leaders, market men and women.
