The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Saturday visited the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, where he attended the installation of former First Bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, as the Balogun of Oyo.

The visit marked the first time Oba Ladoja would visit Oyo since the coronation of Oba Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo, adding significance to the gathering of the two prominent traditional rulers.

Adeduntan, an illustrious son of Ibadanland and former Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria, was formally conferred with the prestigious Balogun of Oyo title by the Alaafin during the ceremony.

The presence of the Olubadan at the event also appeared to douse speculation over strained relations between the two traditional institutions following an earlier incident in which the Olubadan was reportedly perceived to have snubbed the Alaafin at a public event.

Oba Ladoja, who is Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, had subsequently clarified that the incident was not deliberate.

The visit, therefore, provided an opportunity for the two monarchs to appear together in a public setting and reinforce the unity of traditional institutions in the state.

Adeduntan’s installation attracted dignitaries from across the country, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulating him on his elevation and describing the chieftaincy title as both an honour and a call to greater service.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded Adeduntan’s distinguished career in banking and finance, particularly his leadership of First Bank.

Tinubu also acknowledged his contributions to national development through enterprise, education and philanthropy, including his service as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University.

The President noted that through the Adesola Adeduntan Foundation, the former banker had invested in primary healthcare centres serving communities in Oyo and Ibadan, as well as in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

He urged the new Balogun to bring his experience, strategic foresight and commitment to excellence to his new responsibility.

“As you assume this historic responsibility, I urge you to bring to the service of the Alaafin, the Oyo Kingdom and its people, the same discipline, strategic foresight and commitment to excellence that have distinguished your professional and public life,” Tinubu said.

He added that the installation was “both an honour and a call to greater service,” urging Adeduntan to deploy his experience, influence and resources toward promoting peace, opportunity, development and the preservation of Oyo’s rich cultural heritage.