Entry to Olubadan Succession Would No Longer Be For Money Bags, Says Ladoja
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja has said that the offer of hundreds of millions of Naira or influence-pedddling by eligible applicants would no longer determine the entry of Mogajis to Olubadan line.
Oba Ladoja made this known on Friday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan while conferring the traditional Chieftaincy title of Jagun Olubadan on Mogaji of Fajinmi dynasty, Chief Oladiran Alabi Yeronbi.
The first class monarch, however, noted that apart from exposure to quality education and having visible means of livelihood, which is basic, prospective applicants would henceforth be required to showcase their contributions to the development of their families in particular, and Ibadan in general.
The monarch spoke through the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
Olubadan said, “It is the new standard we have set, not for our own personal benefits but for generations yet unborn”.
According to him, the Olubadan Advisory Council is on the same page on this matter, saying that was why he set up three different screening committees to look into the applications from interested Mogajis.
“We have resolved that once there is vacancy for Jagun, the entry point to Olubadan line, interested Mogajis should apply, with demonstrable and verifiable evidence of your contributions to grassroots development.
He congratulated the new Jagun Olubadan, Chief Oladiran Alabi for coming out tops out of 102 applicants, saying we wont like God to sanction us for refusing to give honour unto whom it is due.
Oba Ladoja, who acknowledged the contributions of every other applicant to community development,saying he notes their works.He urged them not to be discouraged, as only one slot exists.
Speaking after the installation, the new Jagun Olubadan pledged to intensify efforts towards youth empowerment, community development, and security.
He said, “We will continue to improve the ability of our youths to be employed and empowered. We have been doing this over the years, but now it will be more visible and structured.”
Alabi emphasised his commitment to grassroots development, citing his past interventions in education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
“Go to the communities and ask how many people have been empowered, how many have received training, scholarships, and support. That is what we have been doing, and it will continue,” he said.
On the issue of land grabbing, the Jagun aligned with the Olubadan’s stance, describing the act as unnecessary and unacceptable.
“There is no reason to grab land. We brought nothing to this world and we will take nothing away. Kabiyesi is strongly against it, and I fully support that position,” he stated.
Speaking on security, Alabi noted that safeguarding lives and property must begin at the community level.
“When I became Mogaji, one of my first actions was to sanitise the area because it was one of the toughest. The city can only be secure if communities are secure,” he said.
Alabi was installed as Mogaji of the Basorun Fajini Yeronbi dynasty, Ibadan by the Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje-Ogungunniso on 24th July, 2017.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
