Olubadan launches ‘Toilet in Agbole’ project to tackle open defecation

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has launched a sanitation initiative titled ‘Toilet in Agbole’, aimed at reducing open defecation across Ibadanland. The initiative calls on family heads (Mogajis) to construct toilets within their traditional family compounds.

The project was formally introduced during a meeting of all Mogajis on Saturday and forms part of the monarch’s upcoming 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary celebrations scheduled for next month.

Represented by Prince Folaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan expressed concern over the rising rate of open defecation and stressed the need for clean and hygienic environments through proper human waste disposal. He urged the Mogajis to support the initiative for the collective well-being of the people.

Chairman of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), Alhaji Waheed Hassan Babalola Afobaje, addressed the gathering, educating the family heads on the importance of sanitation, personal hygiene, and proper waste management for community health.

Afobaje assured the Mogajis of RUWASSA’s technical support throughout the implementation of the “Toilet in Agbole” project. He highlighted the agency’s role in providing construction materials, promoting affordable methods, and ensuring the sustainability of the toilet facilities.

In his welcome address, the President of the Association of Mogajis of Ibadanland, Mogaji Asimiyu Adepoju Ariori, praised the Olubadan for the initiative and pledged the full support of all Mogajis. He described the project as a laudable development effort that will benefit generations to come.

Ariori also urged the Mogajis to act swiftly in executing the project in their respective compounds, stating that completing it would be a meaningful birthday gift to the Olubadan and a lasting legacy for Ibadanland.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Olubadan’s office, the executive committee of Ibadan Mogajis, officials from UNICEF, RUWASSA, other partner organizations, and members of the media.