Olubadan promotes six chiefs, raises alarm over land grabbing in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has promoted six chiefs in the Balogun line, urging them to uphold the dignity of traditional institutions and preserve the cultural heritage of the ancient city.

The monarch also expressed concern over the growing incidence of land grabbing in Ibadan, warning that the practice could discourage investment and hinder development. He raised the concern on Friday during the promotion ceremony held at the banquet hall of the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

Addressing the newly elevated chiefs, Oba Ladoja urged them to remain loyal to the traditional institution and contribute to the progress of Ibadanland. He stressed the need for them to protect the city’s cultural heritage while promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among residents.

Describing land grabbing as a source of sleepless nights, the monarch questioned how investors could acquire land for their projects if the practice continued unchecked. He said the situation was worrying and could undermine efforts to attract investment to the city.

“The issue of land grabbing in Ibadanland is giving me sleepless nights and is highly worrisome, for if there is no land, where will the investors put up their projects?” the monarch queried.

Oba Ladoja further charged the chiefs to prioritise the security of lives and property in their respective domains. He urged them to make love for Ibadanland, unity, peace, progress and development the guiding principles of their leadership and interactions with their communities.

The six promoted chiefs are Senior Chief Taiwo Anthony Adebayo Oyekan, now Abese Balogun of Ibadanland; Senior Chief Raufu Amusat Eleruwere, now Maye Balogun of Ibadanland; and Senior Chief Rafiu Emiola Onideure, now Ekefa Balogun of Ibadanland. Others are Senior Chief Tirimisiyu Arowolo Obisesan, now Agbaakin Balogun of Ibadanland; Senior Chief Wasiu Delodun Adegboyega Ajimobi, now Aare Alasa Balogun of Ibadanland; and Senior Chief Mikail Gboyega Olawoyin Orogunmodi, now Ikolaba Balogun of Ibadanland.

The ceremony was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including the Otun Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Osi Balogun, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; and Asipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade. Other dignitaries included Ekerin Balogun, High Chief Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli; Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Samuel Adegboyega Adeniran; as well as other traditional titleholders, Mogajis, Baales and community leaders.