Amanze Chinonye
Oyo State lawmaker and entrepreneur, Oloye Akin Alabi, has been elevated from Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland to Ajia Olubadan, following a traditional promotion exercise by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I).
The elevation, which took place on Friday at the Olubadan Palace in Ibadan, is part of a broader reordering of ranks within the Ibadan traditional hierarchy necessitated by the death of the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), and the subsequent ascension of Oba Ladoja to the throne.
Alabi, who represents Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was appointed Jagun Olubadan in May 2025 by the late Olubadan, an appointment that formally placed him on the Olubadan line of succession.
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With the change on the throne, tradition and the Oyo State Chieftaincy Laws require a promotion of chiefs on both the civil and military lines to realign the hierarchy.
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The Olubadan chieftaincy system is renowned for its orderly and non-hereditary succession process, which is divided into two main tracks the Egbe Agba (civil) line and the Balogun (military) line. Chiefs rise gradually through clearly defined ranks, and the most senior chief becomes eligible for the Olubadan stool when it becomes vacant. This structure has long been credited with limiting succession disputes in Ibadanland.
Alabi’s elevation to Ajia Olubadan places him higher on the Egbe Agba line and creates a vacancy in the Jagun Olubadan position. Traditionally, the Jagun title is filled from among the Mogajis, the recognised family heads across Ibadanland, with a new appointment expected in due course.
Beyond his traditional role, Alabi is a prominent entrepreneur and public figure. He is the founder of Nairabet, one of Nigeria’s pioneering online sports betting platforms, and is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the country’s digital gaming industry. His business success later translated into public service, culminating in his election to the House of Representatives, where he has been active on issues related to innovation, the digital economy and youth empowerment.
Reacting to his elevation, Alabi expressed gratitude to the Olubadan and the people of Ibadanland, describing the promotion as a call to deeper service to the ancient city. He reaffirmed his commitment to contributing to the cultural heritage and development of Ibadan, ending his message with the traditional expression, “Ibadan a gbe wa o!” (May Ibadan continue to prosper).
The latest promotion underscores the enduring relevance of Ibadan’s chieftaincy system, which continues to blend age-old tradition with statutory regulation while accommodating contemporary leaders from politics, business and other sectors.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
