The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has warned newly installed Mogajis and Baales against engaging in or supporting land grabbing, declaring that offenders would be prosecuted and stripped of their traditional titles.

The monarch gave the warning during the installation of 18 Mogajis and 11 Baales at the Banquet Hall of the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

Speaking through the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade, and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, the Olubadan charged the newly installed traditional title holders to uphold the integrity and dignity of Ibadanland.

He reminded them that they were representatives of the Olubadan and the Olubadan-in-Council in their respective communities and should therefore avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of the traditional institution.
“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,” the monarch said.

Expressing concern over the rising cases of land grabbing in parts of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja noted that such practices often thrive with the connivance of some traditional title holders.

“Land grabbing is now frequently reported at the palace. This 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 Anyone caught will be prosecuted in accordance with the law and his traditional beads withdrawn,” he warned.

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.

“As leaders in your various communities, you must be security conscious and work closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property,” he added.

The newly installed Mogajis include Prof. Abideen Olaitan Olaiya, Dr. Surajudeen Olayiwola Bello, Engr. Ridwan Adesina Kareem, Ayoade Toyyib Ajibola, Salam Kamil, Raji Musiliudeen Abiola, Adeleke Muritala, Ibukun Taiwo Molomo, Afolabi Kazeem Aderemi and Folarin Saheed Adewale, among others.

The Baales installed at the ceremony include Azees Muideen Oyesina, Simon Adetunji Alalade, Yisau Adewale Adeleke, Rafiu Lawal Akinlapa, Taiwo Atanda Babalola, Ojo Ebenezer Adeniji, Adewumi Ismaila Akano, Ademola Oderinde Ogundepo, Musibau Morounranti Adefioye, Taiwo Ajayi Osoaro and Olalere Sobur Omowumi.

Dignitaries at the event included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; members of the Olubadan-in-Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other invited guests.