The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, yesterday formally installed Dr Adesola Adeduntan, a former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria, as the new Balogun of Oyo.
The Balogun of Oyo is a historic military and honorary chieftaincy title in the Oyo Empire that traditionally designates a war leader or Captain who helped defend the kingdom.
The word “Balogun” means a war leader or Commander in the Yoruba military system.
In the old Oyo Empire, lesser war Chiefs took this title to command troops and protect towns from outside attacks. After the fall of old Oyo, the title remained very important in successor military States
Baloguns led soldiers into battles to secure the borders of Yorubaland.Town . They organized defenses, built protective walls, and responded to emergency calls during wars.
Successful war leaders gained high respect and political power within the community.
Today, the Alaafin awards the Balogun title as a high-ranking traditional honour to distinguished public figures and leaders.
Since the Aare-Ona-Kakanfo could not reside near the capital, arrangements had to be made for the Alaafin’s protection in case of emergency
Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan is recognized for transforming the First Bank into a digital-driven one. He led a nine-year, highly successful tenure, significantly increasing customer base from 10 million to over 42 million .
An indigene of Ibadan, he is currently serving as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.
The colourful ceremony took place at the ancient Alaafin’s Palace with dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials and indigenes in attendance.
Dr. Adeduntan succeeds the late Dr Victor Olunloyo, former Governor of the old Oyo State, who held the title with distinction.
In his remarks, the Alaafin described the new Balogun as a complete gentleman with a heart of gold who combines refined manners with deep kindness, humility, and genuine care for others.
Oba Owoade noted that he has never seen a skilled topmost professional with so much innovative ideas and unique thinking in in catapulting the banking sector in the country to greater heights.
According to him, as a renowned Banker with over three decades of experience, you are indeed a man of conscience being guided by an internal moral compass, acting with integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility toward others rather than mere self-interest.
” You are defined by your commitment to truth, and 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 are honest with yourself and others, rejecting deception and hypocrisy, as you take full responsibility for your impact on the world, your actions, and emotions, rather than deflecting blame or acting as a victim.You consider the impact of your decisions on others and acts with kindness and understanding”, he said.
The Paramount Ruler hinted that the Balogun title as one of the most revered and senior offices in the Oyo Empire, historically charged with leadership, courage, and defence of the kingdom.
He enjoined the new Balogun to uphold the institution’s values and deploy his experience for the development, peace, and unity of the Oyo Kingdom.
Wife of the new Balogun , Chief Mrs Adenike, was also installed as the Yeye Balogun of Oyo, by the Alaafin’s Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi.
In his response, the new Balogun of Oyo, Chief Dr. Adeduntan described the Alaafin as a dependable, loyal, helpful Monarch, and one who provides a stabilizing and calming force for any circumstances he finds himself .
He stated that Oba Owoade exhibits an epitome of interpersonal harmony, the social glue and affiliative force that keeps people together.
“He is kind, social, giving, and typically build deep personal bonds with the people and known for being able to resolve conflicts peacefully (and for avoiding conflicts in the first place). He works to avoid having people feel uncomfortable or anxious. He is a dynamic Ruler”
Dr. Adeduntan pledged to serve with humility, integrity and commitment to the progress of Oyo and Yorubaland.
The new Balogun is also 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, development and preservation of cultural heritage.
The ceremony, earlier scheduled for July 18, was postponed as a mark of honour to victims of the Oriire abduction.
Notable traditional rulers who graced the occasion included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.
Other eminent personalities were the Akogun of Egbaland, High Chief Adebayo Shoyoye, the Ward Onikoyi of Yorubaland, High Chief Tomori Williams, the Statistician – General of the Federation, Prince Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran, and renowned Architect, Bayo Ajisafe among others.
Several government officials and traditional chiefs in their separate goodwill messages described the installation as symbolic and timely for the kingdom.
The event also featured traditional drumming, prayers and homage by a member of the Oyo Traditional Council ( Oyo Mesi), High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, Baales ( village Heads) Chiefs and other title holders.
The Olubadan’s visit was significant, as it marks his first known visit to Oyo town since the coronation of Oba Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo.
It also gave the two prominent traditional rulers an opportunity to meet publicly, amid reports of perceived differences following an earlier incident at a public gathering.
Oba Rashidi Ladoja had previously clarified that the incident was not intended as a snub.
It was excitements galore, as joy knew no bounds to invited guests and elated residents who witnessed the warm embracement between the Alaafin and Olubadan at the colourful event.
The latest meeting therefore underscores 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.
