Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada, has joined his ancestors

The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada, has passed away. A palace source confirmed his death to the press on Friday, saying he died at his residence in Ibadan after a brief illness. A delegation of Omo Oye has already visited the late chief's home.

Until his death, Oba Isioye-Dada held one of the most senior chieftaincy titles in Ibadan's traditional hierarchy. His passing will now trigger a cascade of promotions along the Balogun line, affecting several chiefs and high chiefs. Among those expected to move up is APC governorship aspirant Sharafadeen Ali, who will advance from Ekaarun Balogun to Ekerin Balogun, subject to Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja's approval.

This is how our traditional systems work — orderly, predictable, and rooted in centuries of custom. But it also reminds me how fragile our institutions are when one man's death reshuffles an entire political and traditional deck. How many of us truly understand the chieftaincy succession in our own towns?