In a decisive move to protect the integrity of the Ibadan traditional institution, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has wielded the royal axe on two high-ranking chiefs, suspending them indefinitely and stripping them of their traditional beads over grave allegations of land grabbing.
The embattled chiefs, Kamorudeen Kolawole, Mogaji of the Kukula family in Oke-Ofa Baba Isale (Ibadan North East LGA), and Samsudeen Bello, Mogaji of the Ekerin Ajengbe family in Isale Osi (Ibadan South West LGA), now find themselves disgraced from the revered circle of Ibadanland’s traditional elite.
Their suspension was announced on Thursday during a pivotal meeting of the Olubadan Land Matters Committee held at the Old Olubadan Palace, Oja Oba, Ibadan. The verdict, delivered on behalf of the Olubadan by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, was unequivocal: the chiefs are barred indefinitely from all royal duties unless they “retrace their steps and do the needful.”
“You have been warned repeatedly to desist from acts capable of tarnishing the image and dignity of the Olubadan stool and Ibadanland,” the monarch thundered through his representative. “Land grabbing, trespassing, the forceful takeover of family land, and the oppression of your people will no longer be tolerated.”
The royal rebuke did not end there. In a follow-up statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Mr. Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade, the monarch directed the suspended chiefs to stop parading themselves as title holders with immediate effect. He further instructed security agencies to apprehend any of the disgraced chiefs found flouting the suspension order.
Oba Olakulehin, who ascended the throne with a vow to restore discipline, tradition, and dignity to Ibadan’s chieftaincy system, also expressed growing dismay over the blatant disregard shown by some Mogajis and Baales who have repeatedly snubbed the Land Matters Committee’s invitations. He warned that continued insubordination would be met with serious consequences, including loss of titles and privileges.
“The throne will no longer accommodate defiance or disrespect,” the statement added. “We must preserve the sanctity of our traditional institutions.”
The development has sent shockwaves across the ancient city, serving as a stern warning to other traditional chiefs to steer clear of actions that undermine the revered Ibadan heritage.
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