…Says it’s an era as a collective responsibility
By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja has told all community heads (Baales) and compound heads (Mogajis) across the ancient city that they will be held responsible for anything that happens within their domains.
Urging the leaders and entire people of the city to see his reign as the era of collective responsibility, the monarch said he will not fail to remove any Baale that aid insecurity or whatever atrocities in any part of Ibadanland.
He said such acts including violence and other forms of insecurity will only scare away investors in the city and state at large.
This is as the monarch also assures that his reign will give room for women, especially the Iyalodes who are very vibrant in their respective field.
The monarch spoke while playing host to the Vice chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Alao who was at his Ondo Street, Bodija residence, Ibadan on a royal congratulatory visit on Thursday.
He said, “I have the privilege to speak with the Baales, I told them that, if you need anything, let us know because you are not only meant to sell lands, you are to provide adequate security to your domain and I will hold you responsible for everything that is happening in your territory.
“Baale and Mogaji must all secure their territories. That is where we are going to start. We have problem of land grabbers during the time of the late Olubadan, and two Mogajis were removed. So, if we repeat that, it is not new, because such acts will scare investors. These are the things we want them to know and not be selfish.
“I want the people of Ibadanland and everybody to see this reign as the era of a collective responsibility,m and anybody that has anything to offer is free to come.”
While appreciating Oba Alao for his support and encouragement since his selection doe the stool, Ladoja seized the opportunity of the visit to harp on importance of unity among traditional rulers across Yorubaland, saying unity of purpose should be their watch word.
“I appreciate Olugbon for his support for me and Ibadan land. I appreciate the love you showed when you called me and all the entire Yoruba rulers that called such as Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso, Aseyin of Iseyin and others. The reception I have received so far surprised me, I don’t deserve it, but I thank God for counting me worthy.
“Please, help me tell other traditional rulers to join hands. We are supposed to relate with each other with love, because our territory is different to each other”, he added.
Speaking on engaging more women during his reign, Oba Ladoja said, “I discovered that we don’t use our women very well, look at the Iyalodes. Look at the materials we have there.
“Ibadan is growing in the sense that we look for the best that we can get and bring them here. People like Chief (Dr.) Onikepo Akande, Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadan land, who is also a former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; former Registrar of the University of Ibadan and the Ekefa Iyalode of Ibadan land, Chief (Mrs.) Moji Ladipo; they are there, very vibrant people,” the Olubadan-designate said
Speaking earlier, Oba Alao described the emergence of Oba Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan as a blessing to Ibadan land and Oyo State traditional council.
He said the whole Oyo State should be happy because history has been made.
Oba Alao said, “The whole Oyo State should be happy because history has been made today, not only in Oyo State but across Nigeria, that the one time former governor now become a paramount ruler of one of the greatest cities and the largest city in Africa.
“To Oyo State traditional council, it’s a blessing to us, because it is an added value to us. We need a personality like this in our traditional institution.
“With my consultations with other traditional rulers, everybody will work with you. We will all work together with Oyo state government. I want to use this opportunity to let everybody know; our roles are advisories, we do not have executive power.
“By so doing, we will work with federal, state, local and all stakeholders to ensure that peaceful coexistence and development of our domains,” Olugbon said.
Oba Alao noted that the traditional rulers first priority is Oyo State, adding that the state is above “our own personal ambition and I know that as we have the new Olubadan as part of Oyo State traditional council, I think we are blessed.
“We can’t wish his wealth of experience away, there is no state that is as blessed as Oyo State. I do tell people that if Oyo is not destroyed, the entire Yoruba land can’t be destroyed. But if anything happens to Oyo, the entire Yoruba land is gone, it depends on us.
“The peaceful coexistence and development of Oyo State is paramount in our hearts. We will work with the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and all the local governments.”
The monarch promised that Oyo State traditional council will support and work with Oba Ladoja, stressing that peace of the entire Yoruba race is not negotiable.
