OLUBADAN ELEVATES NINE DISTINGUISHED PERSONALITIES IN BALOGUN SUCCESSION LINE AT HISTORIC OKE-AREMO PALACE
History was made yesterday, Friday, 23rd October, 2026, at the revered Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, elevated nine prominent chiefs in the Balogun line of the Ibadan traditional succession system.
The ceremony, which was held amidst colourful cultural displays, prayers, and the presence of High Chiefs, family heads, friends and well-wishers, further reaffirms the dynamism, hierarchy and sanctity of Ibadan’s unique and globally admired chieftaincy system – the only one in Yorubaland where every compound head can aspire to the throne.
THE NEWLY ELEVATED CHIEFS
1. Rear Admiral Lateef Adetokunbo Akintola (Rtd) – From Aare Ago Balogun to Ayingun Balogun of Ibadanland
Leading the pack is a man of immense professional pedigree. Rear Admiral Akintola (Rtd) is not just a retired senior naval officer who served Nigeria with distinction at the highest levels, but also the Mogaji and family head of the iconic Balogun Ibikunle Dynasty – one of the most storied warlord families in Ibadan history. Known for his unimpeachable integrity, discipline, and quiet philanthropy, his elevation is seen as a bridge between military professionalism and traditional leadership.
2. Oloye Nureni Adebayo Akanbi (Baba Ile Iba Oluyole) – From Lagunna Balogun to Aare Ago Balogun
Next is the highly revered custodian of Iba Oluyole’s legacy. Popularly known as Baba Ile Iba, Oloye Akanbi carries the spiritual and historical weight of Iba Oluyole, the architect of modern Ibadan. Those who know him say he exudes warlord attributes – bold, fearless, protective of his people and deeply rooted in the customs of the land. His promotion is a continuation of Oluyole’s enduring legacy.
3. Oloye Kayode Afolabi Kadelu – From Oota Balogun to Lagunna Balogun
From the prestigious Kadelu Dynasty, Oloye Kadelu represents the ideal Ibadan man who attains greatness but refuses to abandon his roots. Despite his accomplishments, he built his palatial residence right in the heart of his people at Temidire, Oje, where he lives, attends to his community, and upholds family values. His closeness to the grassroots is legendary.
4. Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke (Mr. Solution) – From Aare Egbe Omo Balogun to Oota Balogun
The story of Oloye Adegoke is a classic Ibadan grass-to-grace narrative. Born in Agbo-Ile Abose, Oke Gege, he rose through sheer hard work, innovation and resilience to become a global industrialist, popularly known as Mr. Solution. He is celebrated for conquering the business world and industrialising far beyond Ibadan while never forgetting his source. His journey inspires a new generation.
5. Oloye Monsor Abiola Olatunji Arulogun – From Gbonka Balogun to Aare Egbe Omo Balogun
From the famous warlord Arulogun Dynasty, Oloye Arulogun is a study in cerebral traditionalism. A chartered accountant by profession, he combines modern professional excellence with a deep, almost encyclopaedic knowledge of Ibadan history and tradition. Highly cerebral and very close to his people, he is regarded as an embodiment of authentic Ibadan culture.
6. Oloye Taiwo Ige Akande Odunlami – From Aare Onibon Balogun to Gbonka Balogun
Of the respected Odunlami Dynasty in Olorisa Oko, Oloye Odunlami is a highly principled logistics and real estate mogul. Oloye Akande is a great personality to have around – a major player in Ibadan’s social, community and business circles. He is proof that influence is not about size. His friends fondly call him “small body, big engine.” Agba Awo🤣
7. Oloye Remi Babalola Ogidi – From Bada Balogun to Aare Onibon
Of the Ogidi Dynasty in Oja’gbo, Oloye Babalola is a technocrat of the highest repute. A chartered accountant, stockbroker, former banker and corporate titan who has served on numerous boards and in high public service capacities, he continues to be a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth and a shining example of how traditional titles can coexist with corporate excellence.
8. Oloye Adenrele Lekan Salami Oyetunde – From Ajia Balogun to Bada Balogun
Of the legendary Oyetunde Dynasty at Eleta – a dynasty that has produced two Olubadans in the history of Ibadanland – Oloye Salami is a tech guru, a man of timeless appeal, elegance and royal carriage. His blend of technology-driven modernity, youthfulness, kindness and royal heritage makes his elevation symbolic for Ibadan’s future.
9. Oloye Adewale Abass Kadri – From Jagun Balogun to Ajia Balogun
Closing the list is Oloye Adewale Abass Kadri of the Olofa Dynasty, Irefin. An insurance industry boardroom director and accomplished professional, Oloye Kadri is noted for his composure, impeccable professional résumé, and his consistent contributions to the development of Ibadanland. He represents the new face of responsible, educated leadership.
With this exercise, the Jagun Balogun stool of Ibadanland is now vacant, awaiting the next entrant into the prestigious Balogun line.
Ibadanland remains committed to preserving the sanctity and seniority-based progression of the Ibadan chieftaincy system, which remains a model of succession without rancour.
We congratulate all the newly promoted Chiefs and wish them a peaceful and impactful reign in their new offices.