The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has suspended one of his chiefs, Mogaji Wale Oladoja.
In a recent development, Mogaji Oladoja, the leader of the Akinsola family, has been suspended by the traditional ruler for allegedly forcefully evicting several landlords in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Reports emerged stating that residents of Alaja Phase One, Alaja Phase Two, Isagunna, and Aponmode communities in Akinyele staged a protest concerning the alleged forceful eviction orchestrated by Oladoja. The affected residents, who are both landlords and landladies, took their grievances to the State House of Assembly, seeking intervention.
The protesting residents claim that Mogaji Wale Oladoja, from the Akinsola family compound in Ibadan, invaded their homes in an attempt to evict them. They express shock as they have occupied the land for several decades and were unaware that someone had obtained a court injunction to remove them from their properties.
The decision to suspend Oladoja took place during an emergency meeting convened by the Olubadan on Friday. Present at the meeting were the Olubadan, members of his advisory council, representatives of Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, Oladoja, and representatives of the affected communities.
Oladoja defended his actions, stating that he had made multiple attempts to resolve the matter before resorting to eviction.
Speaking on behalf of the Olubadan, the Ashipa of Ibadanland, Biodun Kola-Daisi, declared that Oladoja had failed to adhere to the code of conduct expected of both Mogajis and Baales (traditional rulers) during their appointments.
Kola-Daisi, representing the Olubadan, announced the immediate suspension of Oladoja, stating, “Several facts were established here today and they pointed to the fact that Mogaji Akinsola (Oladoja) did not follow the code of conduct usually handed down to both Mogajis and Baales when being appointed.
In this instance, the case was already in the palace, but did you inform the palace before the police were invited? Your actions inconvenienced and embarrassed the Olubadan stool and Ibadanland. You crossed the line, and the Council has decided that you be suspended as Mogaji. You are ordered to tender a public apology to the inconvenienced individuals.
You defied the Olubadan and took the law into your hands by making such a drastic decision. This suspension will serve as a deterrent to others who fail to appreciate and recognize the responsibility that comes with their position as either Baale or Mogaji. Your suspension will last for as long as it takes to resolve the problem you have created.”
