The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will on Friday preside over the promotion of seven senior chiefs in the Otun Olubadan line, marking another phase in the ongoing elevation exercise within the Ibadan traditional hierarchy.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, the ceremony will take place at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Among those to be elevated is Senior Chief Lekan Alabi, who will move from Maye Olubadan to the title of Abese Olubadan. Senior Chief Akin Fijabi will also rise to Maye Olubadan from his current rank as Ekefa Olubadan, while Senior Chief Saka Fola Lapade is set to become Ekefa Olubadan.
Former Senate Leader and Senior Chief Teslim Folarin, currently the Aare Alaasa Olubadan, will be promoted to Agbaakin Olubadan. In addition, Senior Chief Muibi Adewuyi will assume the title of Aare Alasa Olubadan, moving up from Ikolaba Olubadan.
Chief Raufu Delesolu will be elevated to Ikolaba Olubadan, while Chief Hammed Lanihun rises from Ayingun Olubadan to Asaju Olubadan.
The palace noted that the wave of promotions began a fortnight ago following the emergence of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. Five members of the Olubadan-in-Council were promoted at that time, from the Otun Olubadan position down to Ekarun.
Friday’s ceremony continues the process, with seven chiefs now taking their turn, while the remaining nine chiefs in the Otun Olubadan line are expected to be promoted in the next two weeks as the promotion exercise intensifies across the hierarchy.
