ENTER THE NEW BALOGUN OF THE OYO KINGDOM, BY FEMI ADESINA

It was the splendor of kings at the palace of the Alaafin in Oyo last Saturday as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, led a battery of traditional rulers from far and near to install a new Balogun (war leader, Captain) for the kingdom.

Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, FCA, was an accomplished banker, indeed, former CEO of FirstBank Group. He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan. Now he adds another title to his already well adorned cap. Balogun of Oyo.

Alaafin Owoade, accompanied by His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Professor) Saka Adelola Matemilola, many other monarchs from Oyo and neighboring States, captains of industry, technocrats and other high net worth individuals showed up at the installation ceremony, held within the Alaafin palace precincts. There was also a high-level contingent of traditional rulers from Lagos, including the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, and the Olu of Iwa and Apapa, Oba Morufu Amodu-Tijani. Enter the new Balogun of Oyo, successor to Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State.

Come see traditional drumming at its most picturesque and glittering. And the drummers were not just old men, but included four, five year old boys. Tradition and culture in their pure state. And you could hear panegyrics and songs that made your head swell.

Over the months, many rumors had circulated about the relationship between the Alaafin and the Olubadan, how they were at loggerheads and no love lost. All this was put to rest when the two monarchs introduced Adeduntan and his wife, Hajia Ameenat Olabimpe Amope Oluwa-Adeduntan, and installed Ayinba Balogun of Oyo, in the hall. A warm welcome announced them.

Adeduntan received much acclaim when he took the new title. The most significant was that of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the installation of the new Balogun as “both an honor and a call to greater service,” adding: “I trust that you will continue to employ your experience, influence and resources to promote peace, opportunity, development and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The President recalled Adeduntan’s illustrious banking career, his continued contribution to national development through enterprise, education and philanthropy, and urged the new Balogun to “bring to the service of Alaafin, Oyo Kingdom and its people, the same discipline, strategic foresight and commitment to excellence that have distinguished his professional and public life”.

It will be recalled that in his nine-year tenure as MD/CEO, Adeduntan transformed FirstBank into a digital-led institution, increasing the number of customer accounts from around 10 million to over 40 million.

Since retiring from FirstBank, Adeduntan has increasingly turned his attention to business and philanthropy. He is the founder and president of Sequoia Holdings, whose flagship minerals business, Sequoia Minerals & Metals, is building district-scale positions in Nigeria’s critical, precious and industrial mineral belts. Through the Adesola Adeduntan Foundation, it is also investing in education and healthcare, including the modern grade ‘A’ primary health centers that are being developed within the Alaafin palace complexes in Oyo and the Olubadan in Ibadanland.

Oba Owoade described the Balogun title as one of the most revered and senior, historically burdened with the responsibility of leadership, courage and defense of Oyo Kingdom.

He challenged the new Balogun to deploy his experience for the development, peace and unity of the kingdom.

Adeduntan expressed gratitude for the honor and pledged to serve with humility, integrity and commitment, describing the Alaafin as kind, sociable, generous and “typically build deep personal bonds with the people. He is known for resolving conflicts peacefully (and avoiding them in the first place)… He is a dynamic ruler.”

Chief Bode Thomas was Balogun before Dr. Olunloyo. Now, the Apesin Ola of Ibadanland, (where he hails from) is the new one. May he serve you well. Amen.