The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has suspended two traditional family heads, known as Mogajis, over allegations of land grabbing and misconduct.
Those affected by the suspension are Mogaji Kamorudeen Kolawole of the Kukula family in Oke-Ofa Baba Isale, Ibadan North East Local Government Area, and Mogaji Samsudeen Bello of the Ekerin Ajengbe family, Isale Osi, in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The suspension, which took immediate effect, was announced during the Olubadan Land Matters Committee meeting held at the Old Olubadan Palace, Oja Oba, Ibadan. The action was confirmed in a statement issued by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade.
Speaking on behalf of the Olubadan, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, stated: “The suspension remains in force indefinitely until the affected Mogajis take corrective measures. They must retrace their steps and do the needful.”
The monarch condemned the alleged involvement of the chiefs in land grabbing and other unethical practices, warning that such conduct brings dishonour to the traditional institution. “You have repeatedly been warned against engaging in actions that can damage the integrity of the Olubadan and Ibadanland, including land grabbing, trespassing, and the oppression of your kin and community members,” he said.
In addition to the suspension, law enforcement agencies have been directed to arrest any of the sanctioned individuals who continue to present themselves as traditional title holders.
Oba Olakulehin also cautioned other Mogajis and Baales who failed to honour the committee’s invitations, warning that defiance and absence at such gatherings could be interpreted as insubordination and may result in further disciplinary actions, including title revocation.
The meeting was attended by several prominent chiefs and committee members, including Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi, Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees, Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Salaudeen Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland; Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters; and Mogaji Ariori, President of the Mogajis Association in Ibadanland.
The Olubadan emphasized the importance of upholding the dignity of traditional leadership, urging all title holders to conduct themselves with honour and integrity.