…as Olubadan, Oluwo and other monarchs honor the installation ceremony
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, on Saturday formally installed former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, as the new Balogun of Oyo.
…as Olubadan, Oluwo and other monarchs honor the installation ceremonyREAD ALSO: Adeduntan succeeds Olunloyo as Balogun of Oyo; installation fixed for September 5
The ceremony, held at the old Alaafin Palace, Oyo, attracted the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, other traditional rulers, government officials and indigenes from across Yorubaland.
Ladoja’s visit was significant as it marked the first time Olubadan would visit Oyo since the coronation of Oba Owoade as Alaafin, providing an opportunity for the two prominent traditional rulers to appear together publicly and reinforce the unity of traditional institutions in the state.
The title of Balogun is one of the most revered and highest-ranking traditional positions in the ancient Oyo Empire. Historically, it designated a war leader or commander responsible for leading soldiers to defend the kingdom, secure its borders, and organize community defense.
Following the fall of the ancient Oyo Empire, the title remained a traditional high-ranking honor reserved for distinguished public figures and leaders who exemplify bravery, service and leadership.
Adeduntan, an Ibadan indigene, is widely recognized for his role in transforming First Bank into a digital-driven institution during his nine-year tenure as GMD/CEO, during which the bank’s customer base grew from 10 million to over 42 million.
READ ALSO: Adeduntan succeeds Olunloyo as Balogun of Oyo; installation fixed for September 5
He currently serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, and is also the Apesin Ola of Ibadanland.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oba Owoade described the new Balogun as a complete gentleman with a heart of gold who combines refined manners with kindness, humility and genuine concern for others.
The Alaafin noted that he had never seen a top professional with so many innovative ideas and unique thinking to advance the banking sector.
Oba Owoade urged Adeduntan to uphold the values of the institution and deploy his expertise towards the development, peace and unity of Oyo Kingdom.
“As a renowned banker with over three decades of experience, you are truly a man of conscience who is guided by an internal moral compass and acts with integrity, empathy and a strong sense of responsibility towards others rather than mere self-interest.
“You are defined by your commitment to truth and your dedication to service. As a man of integrity and authenticity, you live in alignment with your values, ensuring that your actions match your words. You consider the impact of your decisions on others and act with kindness and understanding,” he added.
In response, the new Balogun of Oyo described the Alaafin as a reliable and stabilizing monarch who provides a calming force and builds deep personal ties with the people.
He pledged to serve with humility, integrity and commitment to the progress of Oyo and Yorubaland.
“Alaafin is kind, sociable, generous and known for being able to resolve conflicts peacefully. He works to prevent people from feeling uncomfortable or anxious. He is a dynamic ruler,” Dr. Adeduntan said.
As part of the ceremony, the wife of the new Balogun, Chief Mrs. Adenike Adeduntan, was installed as Yeye Balogun of Oyo by the Queen Consort of Alaafin, Ayaba Abiwunmi.
Adeduntan succeeds the late Dr. Victor Olunloyo, former governor of the former Oyo State, who held the title with distinction.
In a congratulatory message, President Bola Tinubu described the installation as a call for greater service and urged Adeduntan to promote peace, development and preservation of cultural heritage.
The ceremony, initially scheduled for July 18, was postponed in honor of the victims of the Oriire kidnapping.
Other dignitaries present at the event were the Akogun of Egbaland, High Chief Adebayo Shoyoye; Onikoyi Ward of Yorubaland, High Chief Tomori Williams; the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran; and the renowned architect Bayo Ajisafe, among others.
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