The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Monday, urged community leaders, especially the newly appointed 22 family compound and community heads, to take the security of their communities seriously.
During the installation of Mogajis and Baales at the old Olubadan Palace, the monarch said: ‘As family compound and community heads in Ibadan city and Ibadan less-city areas, I am sure you are aware that one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria is the issue of security. As grassroots leaders, you need to be vigilant about what is happening in your environments.
‘If it were for glamour alone, this installation exercise would not have been necessary. But it is because of the responsibility attached to it that we are here to formalise your appointment as Mogajis and Baales’.
The paramount ruler, who is also the Chairman of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs, stressed that security is everybody’s business and urged the newly appointed chiefs to share information, collaborate, and network with neighbouring communities to ensure the safety of lives and property.
He further admonished them to sensitise youths on the need to join security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps during recruitment exercises.
Oba Ladoja stated that Ibadan would not relent in the ongoing crackdown on land grabbers, noting that their activities also pose a threat to security.
‘As you are appointed today (Monday), 14 Mogajis and eight Baales in accordance with the state Chiefs Law and Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, you must take the security of your various communities very seriously’, he said.
According to the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, the event was the first installation of Mogajis and Baales since the monarch ascended the throne Las September.
Dignitaries at the event included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Tajudeen Ajibola; the Otun Olubadan, Chief Eddy Oyewole; Otun Balogun, Chief Kola Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Balogun, Chief Abiodun Azeez Agagagugu; Ekerin Olubadan, Chief Adebayo Akande; Ekerin Balogun, Chief Akim Adewoyin; and Ekarun Balogun, Chief Sarafadeen Alli.
