The ancient city of Oyo was agog on Saturday as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, formally installed Dr Adesola Adeduntan as the new Balogun of Oyo.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Alaafin’s Palace, attracted traditional rulers, government officials, dignitaries and indigenes, with Adeduntan succeeding the late Dr Victor Olunloyo, a former governor of the old Oyo State, who held the title until his death in April 2025.
In his remarks, Oba Owoade described the Balogun title as one of the most revered and senior offices in the Oyo Empire, historically associated with leadership, courage and the defence of the kingdom.
The Alaafin charged the new Balogun to uphold the values of the institution and deploy his wealth of experience towards the development, peace and unity of Oyo Kingdom.
Responding, Adeduntan expressed gratitude to the Alaafin and the people of Oyo Kingdom for the honour, pledging to serve with humility, integrity and commitment to the progress of Oyo and Yorubaland.
Adeduntan, a former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, and the Apesin Ola of Ibadanland.
President Bola Tinubu, in a congratulatory message, described the installation as a call to greater service and urged Adeduntan to promote peace and development while preserving the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The installation, which was originally scheduled for July 18, was postponed as a mark of respect for victims of the Oriire abduction.
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Among the notable traditional rulers who attended the ceremony were the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.
Several government officials and traditional chiefs, in separate goodwill messages, described the September 5 installation as symbolic and timely for the kingdom.
The event also featured traditional drumming, prayers and homage by chiefs of the Oyomesi and other traditional title holders.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Oba Ladoja’s attendance was significant as it marked his first known visit to Oyo town since Oba Owoade’s coronation as Alaafin of Oyo.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the two prominent traditional rulers to meet publicly amid reports of perceived differences following an earlier incident at a public gathering.
Oba Ladoja, who chairs the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, had previously clarified that the incident was not intended as a snub.
The latest meeting underscored the importance of unity, mutual respect and cooperation among traditional institutions in Oyo State.
The gathering further highlighted the enduring ties between Ibadanland and Oyo, two historic centres of Yoruba culture and traditional leadership.
NAN
