The Aliiwo Ruling House of Ibadanland was thrown into frenzy as sons and daughters of the notable warrior compound at home and in the Diaspora gathered together on Saturday for the annual Aliiwo Day Award and Recognition ceremony.
The 2025 edition of the Aliiwo Day was held at the ancient court of the ruling house Agodi-Gate in honour of the late patriarch and the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II. Oba Balogun joined his ancestors in March 2024 after two years on the throne.
However, the 2024 edition of the annual Aliiwo Day, which always held after the Eid-Kabir celebration, was skipped.
Thus, the Saturday celebration was highly significant, being the first after the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun who, as the Mogaji of the Aliiwo Ruling House, had been in firm control of the house and in charge of such celebration since 1986 until his demise.
Equally of importance was the fact that the programme was the first to be held after the installation of a new mogaji of the Aliiwo Ruling House, Mogaji Karmadeen Adeboye Giwa, who, as a mark of honour and recognition of his new role in the family, was presented with the family’s Award of Recognition.
The Award of Recognition was presented to Mogaji Adeoye Giwa by the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Niyi Ajewole.
The colourful event, graced by a large number of Ibadan mogajis, had in attendance the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Ige Olakulehin I -represented by Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola, some members of the Olubadan Advisory Council, Royal Highnesses and members of the Ibadan Royalty Committee, members of the CCII, Bobajiro and Ajiroba of Ibadanland, Chief Tajudeen Aremu and Professor (Chief) Soji Adejumo, respectively.
A member of the Ibadan Royalty Committee and the Proprietress of Bola Immaculate Group of Schools, Chief Mrs. Bola Doherty, MFR, in her short address, was full of praises for the Aliiwo Ruling House, describing the family as a unique one in the whole of Ibadanland.
The woman of substance said: “In the whole of Ibadanland, as big as the metropolis is, the Aliiwo Family stands out. This is a family that has produced two senators and one of the senators, in person of my late brother, Lekan, became Olubadan.
“Which other family can boast of such credentials in the entire Ibadanland? I congratulate you on this occasion and wish, you happy and more celebrations just as I urge you to let love and unity continue to guide and guard your activities towards maintaining your unique position in Ibadanland and even strive to achieve more.”
In his remark, the immediate past Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District and the Baba-Kekere to the late Oba Balogun, Dr. Senator Kola Balogun, thanked the Almighty Allah for keeping the Aliiwo Family in oneness and unity despite the hiccups here and there.
He was particularly grateful to God and the members of the Aliiwo Family for the successful installation of a new mogaji for the family. He asked for maximum support and cooperation with Mogaji Adeoye Giwa so as to ensure his success and raise the bar of the family.
Senator Balogun also expressed gratitude to all the invited guests for honouring the family with their presence, noting that the gesture cannot be taken for granted.
“I appreciate everybody from our revered father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, members of his Advisory Council, the Royal Highnesses, the CCII, members of Ibadan Royalty Committee, the Ibadan Mogajis and others two numerous to mention, for your presence during the 2025 Aliiwo Day.
“This is a demonstration of love, unity and oneness. We are stronger when we are united and I urge us all to let the spirit of love guide all our actions and deeds. I thank you all and wish you all journey mercies back home,” Senator Balogun added.
