NIGERIA: Olubadan Moves Against Land Grabbing, Suspends Two Mogajis

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria, 

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has suspended two Mogajis for misconduct relating to land disputes.

The suspended traditional family heads are Mogaji Kamorudeen Kolawole of the Kukula family, Oke-Ofa Baba Isale in 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.

Their traditional beads were also removed as part of the disciplinary action for land grabbing.

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Thursday during a meeting of the Olubadan Land Matters Committee held at the Old Olubadan Palace, Oja Oba, Ibadan.

Speaking through the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan stated that the action was a response to persistent reports of land-related misconduct by the affected chiefs.

The monarch said: “You have been warned severally to avoid any act that can tarnish the image of the Olubadan and Ibadanland, such as land grabbing, trespassing, forceful land acquisition, and oppression of residents.”

He added that the suspension will remain in place indefinitely unless the Mogajis retrace their steps and make amends.

He added: “The suspended Mogajis should stop parading themselves as title holders. Law enforcement agents are urged to apprehend any of them violating this order.”

The monarch also warned other traditional chiefs who failed to honour the committee’s summons, noting that their absence would be viewed as insubordination and could lead to title revocation.

Here’s the corrected version of your sentence with the titles placed before the names and the brackets removed:

Present at the committee meeting were several high-ranking chiefs and palace officials, including the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi, the Ashipa Balogun, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees, and the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Salaudeen Hamidu Ajibade.

Also in attendance were the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, the President of the Association of Mogajis in Ibadanland, Mogaji Ariori, the Secretary to the Committee, Mogaji Adeleke Lukman, and the Reporting Officer, Mogaji Abdul Rasaq Akinola.