The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has warned Mogajis and compound heads against involvement in criminal activities, saying they will be held responsible for security lapses and criminal acts committed within their domains.
Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, gave the warning while installing four new Mogajis in Ibadan, stressing that traditional family heads must help maintain peace and security in their respective communities.
The Olubadan’s warning was delivered by the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, during the installation ceremony.
The newly installed Mogajis are Olusegun Emmanuel Ogunyemi of Ogunwelu Compound, Oke-Adu area, Ibadan North-East; Akeem Olalekan Alade of Oju-Abere Compound, Inalende, Ibadan North-West; Aderinto Adesoji of Sangodeyi Ikuola Compound, Idi-Arere, Ibadan South-West; and Adewale Idowu Akanmu Abonde of Abonde Compound in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area.
Ladoja congratulated the four men on their appointment and urged them to understand the responsibilities that come with their new positions.
He described Mogajis as practical representatives of the Olubadan within their respective family compounds and said they had an important role to play in maintaining peace and order.
The traditional ruler warned the new Mogajis not to engage in activities that could damage the reputation of their families, the traditional institution or Ibadanland.
He specifically mentioned land grabbing, drug abuse, corruption, hatred and vendetta among the activities they must avoid.
According to him, the Mogajis are expected to serve as examples to people within their domains and contribute to the development and security of the city.
“You are my ambassadors anywhere you are, consequently, you should key into my vision of taking Ibadanland to a greater height,” Ladoja said.
He warned that any Mogaji found to be involved in criminal activities would be held accountable for acts committed within his domain.
“The paramount ruler warned the Mogajis not to be involved in any nefarious activities that can tarnish the image of Olubadan and Ibadanland such as land grabbing, hatred, vendetta, drug abuse, corruption among others as you will be held responsible for any criminal act within your domains,” he said.
The warning places greater emphasis on the traditional institution’s role in supporting security agencies and maintaining order within communities.
Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is one of Nigeria’s largest cities and has a long-established traditional system in which family and compound heads play important roles in community affairs.
Mogajis traditionally represent their family compounds and serve as links between residents and the wider traditional leadership structure.
They are often involved in community matters, including family disputes, land issues, cultural activities and other local concerns.
Because of their position, they are expected to help prevent conflicts and support efforts to maintain peace in their communities.
Ladoja’s warning is also significant because land disputes and allegations of land grabbing have remained sensitive issues in parts of Oyo State.
Rapid urban development and the growing value of land in Ibadan have increased the importance of proper land administration and dispute resolution.
Land-related disagreements can sometimes lead to prolonged family disputes, violence and court cases.
The Olubadan therefore urged the Mogajis to avoid actions that could worsen such disputes or create tension among residents.
The warning against drug abuse also reflects wider concerns about the effects of illegal drugs on communities, particularly among young people.
Drug abuse has been linked by security and health authorities to a range of social problems, including violence, theft and other forms of criminal behaviour.
Traditional leaders are often called upon to support government agencies by educating residents and discouraging young people from engaging in activities that could endanger their lives and communities.
Similarly, Ladoja’s reference to corruption highlights the need for traditional leaders to maintain public trust.
As community representatives, Mogajis can influence decisions and mediate disputes involving members of their families and communities.
The Olubadan’s position is that such influence should be used responsibly and not for personal gain.
The traditional institution has continued to play an important role in Ibadan’s social and cultural life.
Ibadan’s traditional leadership structure has undergone changes over the years, but family and compound heads remain important at the community level.
They can provide information to traditional authorities and security agencies about developments within their areas and help resolve disputes before they become major security problems.
Ladoja’s directive therefore appears aimed at making the Mogajis more conscious of the responsibilities attached to their positions.
The warning also sends a message that traditional titles should not be viewed only as symbols of status but as positions that come with duties to the people.
The Olubadan urged the newly installed Mogajis to support his vision for the development of Ibadanland and to work for the peace and progress of their communities.
He said their conduct would reflect not only on their individual families but also on the traditional institution they represent.
The four new Mogajis were therefore advised to work closely with residents, community leaders and relevant authorities to address security concerns and prevent criminal activities.
Their installation comes at a time when traditional institutions across the country are being encouraged to play a greater role in community policing, conflict prevention and local development.
While traditional rulers do not replace the police or other security agencies, their knowledge of local communities can assist in identifying emerging threats and resolving disputes.
Ladoja’s warning also places an obligation on other compound heads in Ibadan to ensure that criminal activities are not tolerated within their areas.
The Olubadan’s message was clear: traditional authority comes with responsibility, and those who hold such positions must protect the reputation and peace of their communities.