Olubadan Set to Elevate Makinde, Sanusi, Alabi, and Six Others in Chieftaincy Line

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has approved the elevation of nine high-profile chiefs within the Otun Olubadan chieftaincy line, marking a significant advancement in the city’s traditional hierarchy. The promotion exercise, scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025, will take place at the Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, commencing at 11:00 am. This announcement was formally conveyed in a statement released on Wednesday by Adeola Oloko, the media aide to the monarch.

The list of honorees includes some of the most influential figures in Oyo State’s political and business circles. Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde, a respected lawyer and the elder brother of the Oyo State Governor, is set to be promoted from Aare Onibon to the rank of Gbonka Olubadan. This elevation underscores the continued prominence of the Makinde family within the traditional fabric of the city.

Also on the list is Chief Dotun Sanusi, a renowned engineer and business tycoon known for his investments in hospitality and tourism. Sanusi will be moving up from the position of Ajia to Bada Olubadan. His promotion is seen as a recognition of his extensive contributions to the economic development of Ibadan. Similarly, Hon. Akin Alabi, a serving member of the House of Representatives and founder of Nairabet, will be elevated from Jagun to Ajia Olubadan, further cementing his status as a key player in both the political and traditional arenas.

The elevation ceremony typically involves the traditional rites of passage that qualify the chiefs for higher responsibilities within the Olubadan-in-Council. Other notable chiefs scheduled for promotion include:

• Chief Dauda Kolawole Gbadamosi: advancing from Aare Ago to Ayingun Olubadan.

• Chief William Oyeleke Akande: moving from Lagunna to Aare Ago Olubadan.

• Chief Oluyinka Akande: promoted from Oota to Lagunna Olubadan.

• Chief Olufemi Taofeek Ogunwale: rising from Aare-egbe Omo to Oota Olubadan.

• Chief Wasiu Aderoju Alaadorin: advancing from Gbonka to Aare-egbe Omo Olubadan.

• Chief Abiola Iyiola Anlamole: moving from Bada to Aare Onibon Olubadan.

The palace statement clarified that while these promotions cover the ranks from Jagun to Ayingun, the elevation from the entry-level Mogaji to the Jagun Olubadan title has been put on hold until further notice. This suspension suggests a strategic pause or a pending review of candidates for the highly competitive entry point into the Olubadan chieftaincy line.

The ceremony is expected to be witnessed by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, government officials, and family members of the celebrants. These promotions are part of the unique and structured succession plan of the Ibadan traditional system, where chiefs gradually ascend the ladder toward the throne of the Olubadan. By elevating these prominent sons of the soil, Oba Ladoja is reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between the traditional institution and the modern elites driving the city’s progress.