The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has urged Ibadan families’ heads (Mogaji) to ensure violence that may be caused by electioneering campaigns is prevented by being vigilant and proactive.
He gave the advice yesterday at the installation of Mogaji, held at the ancient Aliiwo palace, Ibadan.
The event was attended by members of Olubadan-in-Council, Senior Chief Sarafadeen Alli and other dignitaries, including Oyo South senator, Dr. Kolawole Balogun.
In a statement on behalf of the monarch by his personal assistant (media), Oladele Ogunsola, Oba Balogun enjoined the Mogaji to be conscious of the responsibilities placed on them by their traditional callings, noting that they remained his eyes and ears in their families’ compounds.
As his eyes and ears, Oba Balogun asked that they should not let him be in the dark of whatever goes on around them, stressing that “our forebears that instituted the idea did not make a mistake. It was done in realisation of the age-long wise saying that a king’s ears in every nook and cranny means availability of people to give the king information.
“You owe it a duty to be responsive and responsible, especially in the area of security. Another general election is around the corner and the likelihood of thuggery and violence cannot be ruled out. This is why you must be proactive and ensure that the youth in your compounds are properly guarded and guided.”
The Olubadan advised the newly- installed families’ heads not to engage in land speculation, saying the idea of revoking already sold land by their forebears should not be given a thought.
“Don’t go back to the family land previously sold genuinely by your fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers because such idea is harbinger of crisis and whatever is capable of igniting crisis should be avoided,” he said.
At the event, nine Mogaji were installed, including Chiefs Ismail Olagunju (Akinsola), Imran Salami (Mejidande Salami), Ishola Adeyinka (Alare Agbejonku), Fatai Adeniyi (Lamolo) and Damola Daniel Lajumoke (Lajumoke).
Others were Chiefs Olalere Oladeji (Akintayo Idi-Igba), Oladiti Ojo (Ojo Fagbemigun), Saheed Abiola (Igbaro Ola) and Samuel Akanbi (Ile-Epo).