The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has issued an indefinite suspension order against two prominent Mogajis over alleged involvement in land grabbing and other forms of misconduct deemed injurious to the integrity of the Ibadan traditional institution.
Affected by the royal directive 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, both in Oyo State. In addition to their suspension, the traditional beads of the two Mogajis have been withdrawn, stripping them of their authority as recognized family heads under the Olubadan chieftaincy structure.
The decision, which takes immediate effect, was announced during the Olubadan Land Matters Committee meeting held on Thursday at the old Olubadan Palace, Oja’ba, Ibadan. Representing the Olubadan at the meeting, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, conveyed the monarch’s disapproval of the actions allegedly perpetrated by the suspended chiefs.
According to Oba Ladoja, the Olubadan’s sanction is not only a warning to the affected individuals but a signal to all traditional titleholders who may be tempted to undermine the values of the Ibadan traditional institution. “Your suspension is indefinite and will remain in effect until you retrace your steps and do what is required of you,” he stated firmly on behalf of the monarch.
The monarch expressed deep concern over recurring allegations of land grabbing, forceful acquisition of land, intimidation of family members, and disregard for communal harmony—accusations that reportedly implicate the suspended Mogajis. He warned that these acts not only bring disrepute to the affected individuals but also damage the revered image of the Olubadan stool and the broader Ibadanland chieftaincy system.
His Imperial Majesty further directed that the suspended individuals must immediately cease parading themselves as Mogajis or acting in any traditional capacity within their respective domains. He also called on security agencies to take note of the directive and apprehend any defaulters who continue to operate in defiance of the royal sanction.
Oba Olakulehin did not mince words as he condemned the lack of cooperation from some Mogajis and Baales who have reportedly failed to honour invitations extended to them by the Olubadanland Land Matters Committee. Their absence, according to the monarch, is now being interpreted as a sign of insubordination, and any traditional leader who continues to shun the Committee’s summons may face similar consequences, including loss of title.
Thursday’s meeting was well-attended by key stakeholders in the Ibadan traditional hierarchy. Among those present were Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees, the Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Salaudeen Hamidu Ajibade, the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland; Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, Special Adviser to the Olubadan on Chieftaincy Matters; and Mogaji Ariori of the Olorisa family, who is also the President of the Association of Mogajis in Ibadanland.
Also in attendance were Mogaji Adeleke Lukman, Secretary to the Committee; and Mogaji Abdul Rasaq Akinola, the reporting officer to the Committee, among others.
This latest development underscores the commitment of the Olubadan and the traditional council to restore discipline, uphold cultural values, and ensure transparency in land dealings across Ibadanland, especially at a time when land-related conflicts continue to pose a threat to peace and order in the ancient city.
