The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on Ibadan Mogajis (family compound heads) and community leaders to take the lead in charting a new course that will make the remnants of Ibadan’s ancient houses more liveable and attractive.
Oba Ladoja made this appeal over the weekend while receiving hundreds of Mogajis who paid him a congratulatory visit at his Ondo Street, Bodija residence following his emergence as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The monarch noted that many Mogajis are well positioned financially to initiate developmental projects in their ancestral homes but lamented that too many have abandoned such responsibilities. Instead, they now reside in highbrow areas such as Bodija, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Jericho, and Akobo—or even outside Ibadan and Nigeria—where life is relatively more comfortable.
He expressed concern that some chiefs have not convened family meetings for years to discuss development since receiving their titles, stressing that being a Mogaji or chief in Ibadan is not merely ceremonial but a sacred responsibility.
He said:
“We are working towards a situation where Mogajis and chiefs will not abandon their ancestral homes. By doing so, you can positively impact the younger generation looking up to you for mentorship. You once lived in this same society before becoming who God has destined you to be. Please, let us encourage the people at the grassroots by staying close to them and sharing with them.”
Oba Ladoja further argued that renovating dilapidated family houses and occasionally inhabiting them would help curb drug abuse and other social vices among the youth. To lead by example, he revealed that he has renovated his family house at Isale Osi, which he intends to visit regularly as Olubadan.
He also commended the efforts of some Mogajis who have continued to support their homesteads by offering scholarships to indigent students and providing a conducive environment for community development. The Olubadan-elect appealed for continued support and cooperation of Mogajis and chiefs in his mission to restore Ibadan’s economic fortunes.
Earlier, the leader of Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, congratulated the Olubadan-in-waiting and praised his vision. He assured him of the full support and cooperation of family compound heads and prayed for long life and a peaceful reign over Ibadanland.
