Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election, has been elevated from Ekarun Balogun Olubadan to Ekerin Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, announced the elevation in a statement on Saturday, expressing appreciation to Oba Ladoja and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council for the confidence reposed in him.
The senator was, however, absent from the elevation ceremony held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, as he is currently in the Holy Land performing the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah. He said he used the opportunity to pray for Ibadanland, Oyo State and its people.
Alli also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, Mogajis, Baales, political associates, friends and members of the Olofiere family who represented him at the ceremony.
Reacting to the elevation, Alli described the new position as more than a ceremonial title, stressing that advancement in the Ibadan traditional institution comes with increased responsibility to the people.
“A step up in rank is a step up in responsibility,” Alli said.
He pledged to continue contributing to the peace, unity, progress and development of Ibadanland and Oyo State, while linking the new traditional responsibility to his broader Oyo AHEAD vision.
The elevation places Alli on the Ekerin Balogun rung of Ibadanland’s Balogun chieftaincy line. The Ibadan traditional system operates through two major lines—the Otun (civil) line and the Balogun line—with Ekerin Balogun ranking above Ekarun Balogun.
The development comes as Alli, a serving senator, prepares for the 2027 Oyo State governorship contest on the APC platform. His political role and traditional position therefore place the latest elevation within both the traditional and political landscape of the state.
Alli said he received the honour with humility and renewed commitment to service, declaring that the elevation represents a fresh call to contribute to the advancement of Ibadanland and Oyo State.