By Remi Adebayo
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, on Saturday, September 5, 2025, installed a former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, as the new Balogun of Oyo.
Dr Adeduntan succeeds the late former Governor of Old Oyo State, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, who was the last distinguished holder of the chieftaincy title.
Among notable traditional rulers at the event include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi; among other dignitaries.
Aside from the traditional rulers, the ceremony which took place at the ancient Alaafin’s Palace also had other eminent personalities drawn from government officials, political office holders and corporate world.
The Alaafin described the Balogun title as one of the most revered and senior offices in the Oyo Empire which was historically charged with leadership, courage, and defence of the kingdom.
The revered paramount ruler charged the new Balogun to uphold the institution’s values and deploy his experience for the development, peace, and unity of the Oyo Kingdom.
Responding, Adeduntan thanked the Alaafin and the entire Oyo Kingdom for the honour bestowed on him.
He pledged to serve with humility, integrity and commitment to the progress of Oyo and Yorubaland.
The new Balogun is also the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, and the Apesin Ola of Ibadanland.
Several government officials and traditional chiefs in their separate goodwill messages described the September 5 installation as symbolic and timely for the kingdom.
The event also featured traditional drumming, prayers and homage by chiefs of the Oyomesi and other title holders.
Oba Ladoja’s visit was significant, as it marks his first known visit to Oyo town since the coronation of Oba Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo.
It also gave the two prominent traditional rulers an opportunity to meet publicly, amid reports of perceived differences following an earlier incident at a public gathering.
Oba Ladoja, who chairs the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, had previously clarified that the incident was not intended as a snub.
The latest meeting therefore underscores the importance of unity, mutual respect and cooperation among traditional institutions in Oyo State.
While Oba Ladoja is a former governor of Oyo State and a prominent Ibadan traditional ruler, Oba Owoade ascended the historic Alaafin throne following the traditional selection process.
The gathering further highlighted the enduring ties between Ibadanland and Oyo, two historic centres of Yoruba culture and traditional leadership.
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