The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has issued a strong directive to all Royal Highnesses in Ibadanland to make security of lives and property their top priority.
The monarch gave the charge on Tuesday during a meeting with members of the Olubadan-in-Council and the Association of Royal Highnesses of Ibadanland at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan. The directive was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga.
Oba Ladoja reminded the Royal Highnesses of their core responsibility to safeguard their domains, insisting that no traditional ruler should claim ignorance of criminal activities within their territories.
“You were installed to protect the lives and property of your subjects. Don’t tell me you don’t know the hideouts of Fulani herdsmen, land grabbers, and other criminals in Ibadanland. These people cannot operate without your knowledge or support,” the Olubadan stressed.
He warned that traditional rulers would henceforth be held accountable for crimes committed by criminals allegedly harboured in their jurisdictions. He urged them to pass the message down to Baales and Mogajis for full enforcement.
The Olubadan also expressed displeasure over the increasing number of abandoned and dilapidated buildings across Ibadan, which he said serve as hideouts for miscreants. He cautioned traditional rulers against deserting their ancestral compounds for estates or foreign countries, insisting they must participate actively in the ongoing urban renewal agenda by rebuilding their family compounds and villages.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting Royal Highnesses, the Chairman of the Association, Oba Adebowale Kamarudeen Adeyemi, the Oniladuntan of Laduntan, reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, secure, and progressive Ibadanland. He appealed for greater involvement of his members in activities that promote unity and development of the ancient city.
In a related development, the leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers also paid a solidarity visit to the Olubadan. Led by their President, Engineer Margaret Aina Oguntala (FNSE), and represented by the Chairman of the Ibadan branch, Engineer Ayokunnu Olukunmi Oyedele (MNSE), the association appreciated the monarch for allocating land for their branch office and pledged support for his developmental agenda.
Other groups that visited the palace included the management team of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the executive members of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria led by their President, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju.
Present at the meetings were top-ranking Ibadan chiefs, including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr.) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the Osi Olubadan; Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees, the Ashipa Balogun; and Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland.
