Alaafin of Oyo postpones Balogun installation over Oriire abduction

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has postponed the installation ceremony of Oloye (Dr) Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, as the Balogun of Oyo, which was earlier scheduled for Saturday, 18 July 2026, following the abduction of 47 pupils and teachers from the Yawota and Ahoro Esiele communities in the Oriire Local Government Area.

Adeduntan, in a statement, disclosed that the decision was taken in deference to the painful circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers from the Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.

The statement noted that, with the victims remaining in captivity for more than 40 days, the prevailing atmosphere is neither conducive to nor appropriate for a celebratory ceremony.

“His Imperial Majesty and I remain deeply concerned about the plight of the abducted children and their teachers. We continue to work and pray earnestly for their safe and speedy return to their families. At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and communities,” the statement said.

A new date for the installation ceremony will be announced in due course.

His Imperial Majesty appointed Dr Adeduntan to the exalted office of Balogun of Oyo, one of the foremost military and traditional titles of the Oyo Empire, in succession to the late Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former Governor of the old Oyo State.

Dr Adeduntan, former Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Chairman of Sequoia Holdings, is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, and the Apesin Ola of Ibadanland.

He expressed his appreciation to family, friends and well-wishers for their understanding, prayers and continued support, while appealing to all Nigerians to remember the abducted children, their teachers and their families in their prayers until they are safely reunited.