The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Senator Sharafadeen Alli has been elevated from Ekarun Balogun Olubadan to Ekerin Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, following a new advancement in the traditional hierarchy of Ibadanland in Oyo State.
Sharafadeen Alli announced the development in a statement on Saturday, September 19, 2026, expressing gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council for the honour.
The latest elevation follows Alli’s previous promotion from Maye Balogun to Ekarun Balogun in August 2024.
In his statement, Alli described the new position as both an honour and a greater responsibility to the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
He said he could not personally attend the elevation ceremony held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, because he is currently in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj (Umrah).
According to him, he used the opportunity to offer prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and its people while expressing appreciation to those who represented him at the ceremony.
Alli particularly acknowledged the presence of Mogajis, royal fathers, Baales, political associates and friends, as well as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Campaign Council led by its Director-General, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe.
He also appreciated members of the Olofiere family, including Alhaji Abdullahi Abiola Alli, who represented him at the ceremony.
The newly elevated traditional chief said the progression in rank should be viewed beyond the conferment of a new title, stressing that traditional honour comes with greater obligations to the people.
“A step up in rank is a step up in responsibility,” Alli said.
He added that the elevation represents a renewed call to serve, listen, unite and contribute to the peace, progress and development of Ibadanland.
Alli further said he accepted the honour as a responsibility entrusted to him by his people and pledged to approach the new role with humility, integrity, courage and a strong sense of duty.
The senator also linked his renewed commitment to service with the Oyo AHEAD vision, which he described as a vision for a state that works, prosperous citizens, stronger communities and a future built collectively.
“I recommit myself to serving Ibadanland and Oyo State with humility, integrity, courage and an unwavering sense of duty,” he said.
The elevation places Alli higher in the Balogun chieftaincy hierarchy of Ibadanland. The Ibadan traditional system operates through the Balogun and Otun lines, with Ekerin and Ekarun among the ranks in the progression toward the Olubadan stool.
Alli concluded his message by reaffirming his commitment to the people, saying: “The elevation is an honour. The responsibility is ours. The work is ahead. And I am ready to serve.”
The development comes as Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, continues his public and political activities ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.