By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1), has installed nine new Mogajis and two Baales.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Olubadan, Chief Solomon Ayoade, on Tuesday, April 15, the installation ceremony took place on Monday at the Olubadan’s Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, South-West Nigeria.
During the ceremony, the Olubadan, speaking through High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, congratulated the newly-installed traditional title holders for being counted worthy to receive the titles.
“You are the accredited representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Therefore, you must ensure that peace reigns supreme in your domains, as no meaningful development can be achieved without peace.
“Desist from any act that can tarnish the reputation of the traditional institution, such as land grabbing, insubordination to elders within your families and oppression of family members whom you represent,” the Olubadan warned.
Present at the occasion were members of Olubadan Advisory Council; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja; traditional rulers; religious leaders; business tycoons and well- wishers.
The nine Mogajis installed are Mr. Giwa Adeboye Kamaldeen from Aliiwo Compound in Ibadan North-East Local Government, Alhaji Kamorudeen Olalekan Adebimpe of Adebimpe family, Odinjo in Ibadan South-East, Alhaji Muritala Iyanda Aloba of Aloba family, Inalende in Ibadan North and Engr. (Dr.) Kazeem Rabiu of Akinsumbo Compound, Oke-Balogun, Opooyeosa, Ibadan North-West.
Others are Alhaji Kadir Yusuf Farayola, Samonda family, Ile Samonda, Oje in Ibadan North-East Local Government, Mr. Olukayode David Oduntan, Awise of Oduntan, Awise Compound, Oke-Offa in Ibadan North-East, Alhaji Abideen Mustatapha, Eleko family, Kososi Street, Idi Arere in Ibadan South-West, Mr. Yinusa Taiwo Ibilade Apapa of Apapa Compound, Labiran in Ibadan North-East and Alhaji Sholagbade Nureni Oladejo Arapaja, Arapaja family, Kudeti in Ibadan South-West Local Government.
The Baales installed were Chief Raimi Ibrahim Edujobi from Edujobi village in Egbeda Local Government Area and Mr. Morakinyo Muniru Fagbemi of the Fagbemi village in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has vowed to ensure peace, harmony among Oyo communities.
The Alaafin observed that the importance of fostering peace and harmony within communities cannot be overstated.
He added that with the diverse cultures, beliefs, and values coexisting, there was the need for effective peace-building initiatives which were crucial to maintaining social cohesion and preventing conflicts.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, on Tuesday, April 15, the monarch’s position came in reaction to appeals by well-meaning Oyo indigenes calling on him to intervene in the lingering land disputes between Oyo and Afijio communities.
Durojaiye quoted Alaafin Owoade as saying peace building was more than just conflict resolution.
“It is a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of discord and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration.
“It involves engaging individuals and groups at all levels to create sustainable peace through dialogue, education, and empowerment,” he said.
According to the paramount ruler, “why must interwoven communities that had been in existence for decades and within the same metropolis, Oyo, be at daggers drawn with themselves over land matters, rather than working harmoniously for common goals?
“We must remember that a house divided against itself cannot stand, just as in unity lies strength. United and harmonious we stand, but divided we fall.
“There must be a ceasefire; enough is enough. We can’t continue to shed blood and live in perpetual acrimony. There must be lasting peace.”
Oba Owoade hinted that he would meet with critical stakeholders and opinion leaders on the matter, after which he would embark on education and awareness programmes that would promote understanding, and create safe spaces for open dialogue and reconciliation among communities concerned.
These components, the monarch stated, were instrumental in laying the groundwork for lasting peace which could significantly contribute to community harmony.
“By creating platforms for dialogue, individuals can express their views and collaborate on solutions that benefit the entire metropolis.
“Let there be peace in every community. With God, our Creator, we are family. Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. I urge everyone to let peace begin from his or her doorstep. Let this be the moment. With every step we take, let this be our solemn vow,” the Alaafin said.
