Stop selling ancestral lands arbitrarily – Olubadan warns chiefs

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has warned Mogajis, compound heads, against arbitrary sale of ancestral lands.

Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, gave this warning during the installation of five new Mogajis and four Baales.

The event was held at the Olubadan palace on Monday.

The newly installed Mogajis are Engineer Adedayo Ajagunna, who was installed as Mogaji of Ajagunna compound, Alafara Oje Area; Mr Olatayo Akande Adelabu Adeyeri, who was installed as Mogaji of Oloro compound, Idi-Agbon; Mr Wasiu Olapade Alabi, who was installed as Mogaji of Areja compound, Ode-Aje; Alhaji Kazeem Alarape of Raji Ojongbodu compound, Agbeni; and Alhaji Adamo Lekan Bello, who was installed as Mogaji of Asunmo compound.

The four Baales are Mr Gbadamosi Kabiru, who was installed as Baale of Kehinsi village; Mr Oguntayo Ademola, who was installed as Baale of Oguntayo village; Mr Sakirudeen Yekini Adegbenjo, who was installed as Baale of Olode village; and Mr Olalekan Gbenga Ogundipe, who was installed as Baale of Akintola Ogbun village.

Ladoja, while addressing the gathering, warned all Ibadan traditional title holders against arbitrary sale of ancestral lands and properties.

He added that they are the representatives of the Olubadan in their various communities.

Ladoja, who spoke through the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, explained that the traditional title holders were installed not to oppress people in their domains.

He said, “If your forefathers had sold the land, what will you inherit? Your ancestral lands are meant for developmental projects and not for sale.”

The traditional ruler, while speaking further, reminded the newly installed chiefs that anywhere they may be, they must see themselves as the accredited representatives of Olubadan.

He advised them to do away with anything that can tarnish the good image of Olubadan and Ibadanland.