The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has declared that entry into the Olubadan line from both the Otun and Balogun lines is no longer for the highest bidders or the most influential individuals in society.
Ladoja stated that neither money nor influence would be a determining factor for the promotion of Mogajis from both lines to either Jagun Balogun or Jagun Olubadan.
He made this known at the installation of Chief Oladiran Alabi Yeronbi as Jagun Olubadan at the Olubadan Palace in Ibadan on Saturday.
The monarch added that the promotion of Mogajis would henceforth be based on their contributions to their various families and Ibadanland in general.
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Ladoja, who spoke through the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, stated that the new standard would benefit present and yet unborn generations.
“It is the new standard we have set, not for our own personal benefits but for generations yet unborn.
“The Olubadan Advisory Council is on the same page on this matter, which is why he set up three different screening committees to look into the applications from interested Mogajis.
“We have resolved that once there is a vacancy for Jagun, the entry point to the Olubadan line, interested Mogajis should apply with demonstrable and verifiable evidence of their contributions to grassroots development.”
He congratulated the new Jagun Olubadan, Chief Oladiran Alabi, for emerging top among 102 applicants, saying, “We would not like God to sanction us for refusing to give honour to whom it is due.”
Oba Ladoja acknowledged the contributions of other applicants to community development, noting their efforts. He urged them not to be discouraged, as only one slot exists.
Speaking after the installation, the new Jagun Olubadan pledged to intensify efforts towards youth empowerment, community development, and security.
He said, “We will continue to improve the ability of our youths to be employed and empowered. We have been doing this over the years, but now it will be more visible and structured.”
Alabi emphasised his commitment to grassroots development, citing his past interventions in education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
“Go to the communities and ask how many people have been empowered, how many have received training, scholarships, and support. That is what we have been doing, and it will continue,” he said.
On the issue of land grabbing, the Jagun aligned with the Olubadan’s stance, describing the act as unnecessary and unacceptable.
“There is no reason to grab land. We brought nothing to this world and we will take nothing away. Kabiyesi is strongly against it, and I fully support that position,” he stated.
Speaking on security, Alabi noted that safeguarding lives and property must begin at the community level.
“When I became Mogaji, one of my first actions was to sanitise the area because it was one of the toughest. The city can only be secure if communities are secure,” he said.
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