The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has suspended two Mogajis (family chiefs) and stripped them of their traditional beads over allegations of land grabbing.

The affected chiefs are Mogaji Kamorudeen Kolawole of the Kukula family, Oke-Ofa Baba Isale in Ibadan Northeast Local Government, and Mogaji Samsudeen Bello of the Ekerin Ajengbe family, Isale Osi in Ibadan Southwest Local Government, Oyo State.

The suspension, which took immediate effect, was announced on Thursday during a meeting of the Olubadan Land Matters Committee held at the Old Olubadan Palace, Oja Oba, Ibadan. Details of the decision were made public in a statement released on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade.

The Olubadan, speaking through the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, emphasized that the suspension will stand until the suspended Mogajis comply with the required conditions. 

“Your suspension order is indefinite until you retrace your steps and do the needful,” Olubadan affirmed.

”You have been told severally to desist from any act that can tarnish the reputation and image of the Olubadan and Ibadanland, such as land grabbing, trespassing, forceful land taking, oppression of your family members and other residents in your domain,” the monarch added.

The suspended Mogajis were instructed to immediately stop presenting themselves as holders of Olubadan traditional titles until their matters are reconsidered. In addition, security agencies were directed to arrest any suspended chief who continues to pose as a legitimate traditional titleholder in violation of the sanctions issued by the Olubadan.

The monarch also expressed strong displeasure over the disregard shown by some Mogajis and Baales who failed to attend the Olubadan Land Matters Committee meeting, describing their absence as a clear act of disrespect to the authority of the throne.

He warned that any traditional titleholder who continues to ignore official invitations risks being stripped of their title, as such conduct would be regarded as insubordination.

Those in attendance at the meeting included Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi, Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees, Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Salaudeen Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland; Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, Special Adviser to the Olubadan on Chieftaincy Matters; the President of the Association of Mogajis in Ibadanland, Mogaji Ariori of the Olorisa family; Mogaji Adeleke Lukman, Secretary to the Committee; and Mogaji Abdul Rasaq Akinola, the Reporting Officer, among others.