Ibadan Development: Olubadan in line Traditional Chief hold their maiden meeting in Olubadan Palace, ready for development of Ibadanland - Bada Balogun of Ibadanland

On Sunday, 11th August 2024, the modern palace of the Olubadan hosted the inaugural meeting of the Olubadan-in-line Traditional Chiefs.

 This landmark gathering brought together thirty-four chiefs from the Olubadan succession line, marking the first such assembly in the history of Ibadanland.

Speaking to the press after the meeting,Chief Monsur Abiola Olatunji Arulogun, the Bada Balogun of Ibadanland and the acting Public Relations Officer of the association, highlighted the significance of the event. He emphasized that the primary objective of the meeting was to advance the development of Ibadanland. "This is the first time in history that the Olubadan-in-line Traditional Chiefs have come together to form an alliance for the sole purpose of enhancing the unity and development of our beloved Ibadanland."Chief Monsur Abiola Olatunji Arulogun stated.

The newly formed association aims to strengthen the bonds among the chiefs, thereby ensuring their unwavering support for the Olubadan-in-Council and His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland. According to Chief Monsur Abiola Olatunji Arulogun this unity is crucial for the ongoing progress and prosperity of Ibadanland.

In Ibadan's traditional hierarchy, before one can ascend to the throne as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, they must first be appointed as a Mogaji, or head of a family compound. Following this, they are elevated through various ranks within either the civil or military lines, known as the Otun and Balogun lines, respectively. Each line consists of seventeen positions that must be ascended before reaching the Olubadan-in-Council.

The ascension order for the civil line (Otun line) and Balogun, the Military line includes the following positions:

1. Jagun

2. Ajia

3. Bada

4. Aare Onibon

5. Gbonkan

6. Aare Egbeomo

7. Oota

8. Laguna

9. Aare Aago

10. Ayingun

11. Asaaju

12. Ikolaba

13. Aare Alasa

14. Agbaakin

15. Ekefa

16. Maye

17. Abese

Upon completing the Abese stage, the chief is promoted to:

1. Ekaarun Olubadan

2. Ekerin Olubadan

3. Ashipa Olubadan

4. Osi Olubadan

5. Otun Olubadan

Similarly, the ascension order for the military line (Balogun line) includes:

1. Ekaarun Balogun

2. Ekerin Balogun

3. Ashipa Balogun

4. Osi Balogun

5. Otun Balogun

6. Balogun

After successfully ascending these ranks, the individual is then eligible to ascend to the Olubadan stool, thereby becoming the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The historic meeting at the Olubadan palace signals a renewed commitment to the unity and development of Ibadanland, with the Olubadan-in-line Traditional Chiefs playing a pivotal role in this effort.

Olubadan In -Line Traditional Chiefs also commiserate with Snr Chief Akinade Fijabi on the demise of his mother and prayed for the departed soul.

In attendance at the meeting were:

a. Snr chief Saka Lapade, Aare Alasa Olubadan.

b. Snr chief Hamzat Eleruweere, Aare Alasa Balogun,

C. Snr Chief Lowo Obisesan, Asaju Balogun 

d. Chief Babajide Ayoade, Laguna Balogun 

e. Chief Taofeek Ogunwale, Gbonka Olubadan 

f. Chief Wasiu Aladorin, Aare Onibon Olubadan 

g. Chief Taofeek Adegoke, Aare Onibon Balogun 

h. Chief Abiola Arulogun, Bada Balogun 

I. Chief Abiola Iyiola, Ajia Olubadan 

J. Chief Taiwo Akande, Ajia Balogun and

K . Chief Remi Babalola, Jagun Balogun