Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District and the APC’s 2027 governorship candidate, has risen to Ekerin Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Alli announced his latest traditional elevation in a statement on Saturday, following the ceremony at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, where he was absent because he is currently in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj (Umrah).
The senator moved up from Ekarun Balogun, a position he attained in August 2024 under the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin. His latest advancement was conferred under the present Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Alli, a lawyer and former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, said he received the new position with gratitude and a renewed sense of duty to Ibadanland and Oyo State.
“With gratitude to Almighty Allah, I am deeply honoured to announce my elevation from Ekarun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland to Ekerin Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Ladoja and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council for the confidence reposed in him, saying the elevation had brought a greater obligation to serve.
“I receive this new responsibility with humility, gratitude and a renewed commitment to serve with loyalty, dignity and respect,” Alli said.
Explaining his absence from the palace ceremony, the senator said his presence in the Holy Land had given him an opportunity to seek Allah’s blessings and guidance while offering prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and its people.
He also acknowledged those who represented him at the ceremony, including traditional title holders, political associates, friends and members of his Olofiere family.
Among those he recognised was Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, Director General of the APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council, as well as Alhaji Abdullahi Abiola Alli, who represented him at the ceremony.
Alli, who has held political positions at local, state and federal levels, said his latest traditional advancement should be viewed through the lens of service rather than status.
“A step up in rank is a step up in responsibility,” he said.
He added: “In Ibadanland, honour comes with service, and progression comes with greater responsibility to the people.”
The senator said the new position represented “a renewed call to serve, to listen, to unite and to contribute even more to the peace, progress and development of our people.”
Alli, who was elected to the Senate in 2023, has also served as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Secretary to the Oyo State Government and Chief of Staff during his public service career. He emerged as the APC candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election in July 2026. (Sharafadeen Alli)
He pledged to approach the new traditional responsibility with humility, integrity, courage and a strong sense of duty.
“I receive this honour as a responsibility from my people, and I am ready for the work ahead,” he said.