Olubadan elevates four senior chiefs, one junior chief in Balogun line

•Customs Visits Monarch To Boost Operation In Oyo

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, on Friday, elevated four senior chiefs and one junior chief in the Ibadan Balogun line. Traditional rites at the elevation ceremony, which took place at the new Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, were performed by the Oluwo of Ibadanland, Chief Wahab Popoola Labosinde, who decorated the elevated senior chiefs and the junior chief with the traditional Akoko leaves.

Those who stepped up the Olubadan ladder are Senior Chief Samuel Adegboyega Adeniran, who was elevated from Ekefa Balogun to Abese Balogun; Senior Chief Taiwo Anthony Adebayo Oyekan (absent), who was promoted from Agbakin Balogun to Maye Balogun, Senior Chief Raufu Amusa Eleruwere, who climbed the ladder from Aare Alaasa Balogun to Ekefa Balogun; Senior Chief Emiola Onideure, who advanced from Ikolaba Balogun to Agbakin Balogun and Chief Tirimisiyu Arowolo Obisesan (absent), who rose from Asaaju Balogun to Aare Alaasa Balogun.

Olakulehin, who congratulated the new chiefs on their elevation, charged them to use their rise in position for the progress, unity and development of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

The paramount ruler further admonished the newly elevated traditional title holders to rededicate their lives to preservation of the Yoruba culture as well as improving the quality of lives of residents and indigenes of Ibadan land. His Imperial Majesty also emphasised the need for them to remain dedicated and committed in the performance of their duties.

Members of the Olubadan-in-Council present at the colourful event were the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; OsiOlubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko; OsiBalogun, High Chief John OlubunmiIsioye-Dada; AsipaOlubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; EkerinOlubadan, Oba AmiduAjibade; EkerinBalogun, High Chief AkeemMobolajiAdewoyin and EkaarunBalogun, High Chief (Senator) SharafadeenAbiodunAlli.

Mogajis, Baales, political office holders, market men and women, as well as religious leaders also witnessed the event.

Meanwhile, to reinforce peace and security, as well as strengthen national economic efforts, the Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun Area Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, has emphasised the importance of respecting traditional institutions and recognising their role in promoting stability.

Oramalugo made this statement during a courtesy visit to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba OwolabiOlakulehin, at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
In a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Kayode Wey, the visit was aimed at fortifying the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the traditional leadership of Ibadan to secure borders, promote economic growth and enhance community engagement.

He acknowledged the critical support traditional rulers provide in curbing smuggling activities and fostering legitimate trade in Oyo and Osun states.
Oramalugo further expressed gratitude for the peaceful atmosphere in Ibadan, which allows the Customs to carry out its duties effectively.

The Area Controller called for greater collaboration with the traditional institution to help the command fulfill its mandate of securing Nigeria’s borders and boosting the economy.

Responding on behalf of the Olubadan, the EkerinOlubadan, Oba HamiduAjibadeSalaudeen, commended the Customs Area Controller for his respect towards traditional institutions and for recognising their significant role in fostering national unity.

The monarch also commended the NCS for its ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s economic interests and protect local industries from the harmful effects of smuggling.

Assuring the Customs of continued support, the Olubadan reiterated the institution’s commitment to working closely with government agencies to combat illegal trade and ensure the safety and prosperity of the region.