I extend my warmest and most profound congratulations to our esteemed leader and the gubernatorial candidate of our great party, the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, PhD on his recent and well-deserved elevation. It brings immense joy to the entire progressive family to celebrate his progression from the Ekarun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland to the Ekerin Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland. This significant upward movement within the highly respected Ibadan traditional chieftaincy hierarchy is a clear testament to his enduring commitment to the cultural heritage and socio-economic development of our great city.
 
I must equally express my deep appreciation to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, alongside the members of the Olubadan Advisory Council. Their decision to bestow this honour and place such immense trust and confidence in Senator Alli is highly commendable. The traditional institution of Ibadanland remains a emblem of integrity and meritocracy. Seeing our progressive candidate continually recognised by this sacred institution validates his lifelong dedication to public service and the welfare of the grassroots.
 
The spiritual timing of this elevation is particularly beautiful and highly symbolic. While the official ceremony took place at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Senator Alli was away in the Holy Land performing the Lesser Hajj (Umrah), seeking divine blessings and guidance for Ibadanland, Oyo State, and all our people. I deeply commend the solidarity shown by the Mogajis, Baales, and members of the Olofiere family who graced the occasion. Special recognition must go to Alhaji Abdullahi Abiola Alli who stood in for him, as well as his political friends led by the Director General of the APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe.
 
As Senator Alli rightly noted in his own reflections, a step up in rank naturally equates to a step up in responsibility. In the rich tradition of Ibadanland, progression inherently comes with a greater duty to serve the people. This new title is a renewed call for him to listen, to unite our communities, and to contribute even more significantly to the peace, progress, and overall development of Oyo State. These are the exact virtues and leadership qualities we desperately need at the helm of affairs in our dear state as we approach the 2027 general elections.
 
In our celebration this traditional milestone, I pray that Almighty Allah accepts his acts of worship in the Holy Land and grants him a safe journey back home. May he be endowed with greater wisdom, robust health, and the divine enablement to discharge the duties of the Ekerin Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland. The progressive family stands firmly with him as he continues to prepare for the monumental task of reclaiming the governance of Oyo State and delivering the true dividends of democracy to our good people.
 
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Former Oyo State Governorship Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done.
Sunday, September 20 2026.