Don’t Tarnish Your Royal Heritage With Politics, Oke-Aremo Forum Warns Alli

The Oke-Aremo Development Forum has congratulated Oba Sharafadeen Alli on his attainment of the revered position of Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, urging him to abandon any governorship ambition and devote himself fully to his new traditional responsibilities.

In a statement jointly signed by the Forum’s President, Alimi Jelili Alao, and Secretary, Adebayo Kazeem, the group described Alli’s elevation as a major turning point that should naturally place him above partisan politics and position him as a custodian of Ibadanland’s rich cultural heritage.

The Forum also commiserated with the family of the late Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Isioye Dada, over his passing, praying that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and gives his family, associates, and the entire people of Ibadanland the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

According to the Forum, the demise of Oba Dada has automatically elevated Senator Sharafadeen Alli to the position of Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, one of the most respected ranks within the Olubadan traditional hierarchy, carrying enormous cultural, traditional, and leadership responsibilities.

The group maintained that the prestige, influence, and historical significance of the Ekeerin Balogun stool far outweigh any political office, including the governorship of Oyo State.

According to the Forum, while the occupant of Agodi Government House serves for a limited constitutional tenure, the holder of a revered traditional title occupies a permanent place in the history, culture, and leadership structure of Ibadanland.

“Your royal stool is bigger than Agodi Government House,” the Forum declared.

“Oba Sharafadeen Alli now occupies a position that commands respect across political, religious, and social divides. By embracing his traditional responsibilities and distancing himself from partisan politics, he will preserve the dignity of his office, strengthen the legacy of his family, and secure a more enduring place in the annals of Ibadan history.”

The Forum further argued that Alli comes from a respected family lineage deeply rooted in the traditional institution of Ibadanland and should therefore protect and preserve that heritage rather than risk diminishing it through partisan political contests.

“Oba Sharafadeen Alli should not allow political ambition to overshadow the honour bestowed upon him through the traditional succession system. He should respect the legacy of his family, uphold the dignity of the royal lineage he now represents, and dedicate himself fully to the service of Ibadanland.

“With his sudden elevation to the prestigious position of Ekeerin Balogun, the responsibility before him is now more traditional than political. He is no longer just a politician but a monarch and custodian of the rich cultural heritage of Ibadanland.”

The Forum noted that individuals who attain positions within the Olubadan-In-Council occupy a unique place in society and are expected to rise above partisan interests in order to serve as symbols of unity, peace, and cultural continuity.

It also referenced the Gazette of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which recognizes members elevated within the Olubadan traditional hierarchy as traditional rulers with significant responsibilities toward their people.

The group stressed that attempting to combine active partisan politics with the demands of a royal stool could create unnecessary distractions and conflicts, adding that Ibadanland stands to benefit more from Alli’s experience, influence, and leadership if devoted entirely to traditional service.

The Forum therefore urged Oba Sharafadeen Alli to place himself above politics, embrace his new responsibilities wholeheartedly, and contribute to strengthening the unity, development, and cultural heritage of Ibadanland for future generations.

The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to the progress and development of Oke-Aremo and Ibadanland as a whole, while praying for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for Oba Alli as he assumes greater responsibilities within the revered Olubadan traditional institution.