The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has warned newly installed chiefs – the mogajis and baales – against engaging in, or supporting land grabbing, stating that offenders would be prosecuted and stripped of their titles.

Speaking during the installation of 18 mogajis and 11 baales at Oke-Aremo in Ibadan, the monarch, who was represented by the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Ajibade, and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Adewoyin, charged the newly installed title holders to uphold the integrity and dignity of the land.

He reminded them that they are representatives of the Olubadan and the Olubadan-in-Council in their respective communities, and, “as my ambassadors, wherever you find yourselves, do not engage in any activity that could bring disrepute to the Olubadan stool and Ibadanland. Anyone found culpable of misconduct will be sanctioned.”

Also expressing concern at the rising incidents of land grabbing in parts of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja said land grabbing “can hardly happen without the support of some traditional rulers. I therefore urge you not to encourage or support such activities. Anyone caught will be prosecuted in accordance with the law and their traditional beads withdrawn.”

The Olubadan also tasked the newly installed chiefs to prioritise security in their domains, describing them as chief security officers of their respective communities. He urged them to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing security challenges, stressing the need for collective efforts to tackle insecurity.

The newly installed mogajis include Prof. Abideen Olaiya, Dr. Surajudeen Bello, and Ridwan Kareem, among others, while the baales include Azees Oyesina, Simon Alalade, Yisau Adeleke, and Rafiu Akinlapa, among others.