Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State and senator representing the Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has been elevated from Ekarun Balogun to Ekerin Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Alli announced the development on Saturday in a statement posted on his official X account, describing the new position as both an honour and a renewed call to serve the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
He expressed gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council for the confidence reposed in him through the elevation.
The senator said he received the new responsibility with humility and a renewed commitment to loyalty, dignity and service.
Alli was not physically present at the elevation ceremony held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, because he is currently in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj, also known as Umrah.
According to him, the opportunity to perform Umrah also allowed him to seek divine guidance and offer prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and its people at what he described as an important moment in his life.
He expressed appreciation to those who represented him at the ceremony, as well as the Mogajis, traditional rulers, Baales, political associates and friends who attended.
Particular mention was made of members of the APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council led by its Director-General, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and members of the Olofiere family, including Alhaji Abdullahi Abiola Alli, who represented him at the ceremony.
Alli said their presence and support were significant to him, describing the elevation as a moment that carried considerable personal and traditional importance.
He also linked the new position to the responsibilities associated with advancement within the Ibadan traditional institution.
“A step up in rank is a step up in responsibility,” Alli said, stressing that traditional honours in Ibadanland are expected to come with greater service to the people.
He said the elevation should not be viewed merely as a change of title but as a renewed obligation to listen, unite and contribute to the peace, progress and development of Ibadanland.
The senator pledged to approach the new responsibility with humility, integrity, courage and a strong sense of duty.
The latest elevation follows Alli’s previous promotion from Maye Balogun to Ekarun Balogun in August 2024. He was among the chiefs elevated along the Balogun line of the Ibadan traditional hierarchy at the time.
His latest promotion to Ekerin Balogun follows changes in the Balogun line after the death of the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba John Olubunmi Isioye-Dada, in June 2026. Reports had indicated that the development would trigger further movement among chiefs on the line, including Alli.
While reaffirming his political and public-service commitments, Alli said his elevation would strengthen, rather than diminish, his determination to contribute to the development of the state.
He said his Oyo AHEAD vision remained focused on building “a state that works, a people who prosper, communities that are strengthened, and a future we can all be proud to build together.”
“Ibadan is moving. Oyo is moving. And together, we must keep moving AHEAD,” he said.
Alli’s latest traditional elevation adds another responsibility to his public roles as he prepares for the political contest.
“The elevation is an honour. The responsibility is ours. The work is ahead. And I am ready to serve,” he said.
