APC's Sharafadeen Alli Elevated to Ekerin Balogun Title

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has elevated Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Oyo State in the 2027 election, from Ekarun Balogun to Ekerin Balogun. Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, announced this development via a statement on his X account.

He was unable to attend the elevation ceremony at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, as he was performing Umrah. In his statement, Alli expressed gratitude to Allah for the honor and thanked Oba Ladoja and the Olubadan Advisory Council.

He emphasized that the elevation signifies increased responsibility to the people of Ibadanland, stating, “A step up in rank is a step up in responsibility.” Alli's progression through the Balogun line of the Olubadan succession system includes a previous elevation from Maye Balogun to Ekarun Balogun in August 2024. His recent elevation also follows a government-approved elevation to a beaded crown-wearing Oba in March 2026.