Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate, has fervently urged Ibadan’s Mogajis (compound heads) and community leaders to actively participate in reviving the city’s traditional neighborhoods.
Hundreds of Mogajis paid him a courtesy call at his home on Ondo Street in Bodija, Ibadan, to congratulate him on becoming the next Olubadan. Oba Ladoja asked leaders to improve the living conditions and dignity of the ruins of old family homes.
Despite being wealthy, he voiced concern that many Mogajis have left their ancestral compounds for wealthy neighborhoods like Bodija, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Jericho, and Akobo, or even moved overseas, abandoning their hometowns.
“In Ibadan, being a Mogaji or chief entails a duty to one’s roots and is not only an honorary title. In the future, we envision traditional leaders going back to their families to set an example, guide the next generation, and encourage internal growth.
Oba Ladoja emphasized that growing social problems like drug misuse and criminality have been exacerbated by the disregard for decaying structures in inner-city Ibadan.
Renovating these compounds and living in them periodically might help reverse that trend, he said.
The king disclosed that he had previously renovated his family’s property in Isale Osi and intended to return there frequently after taking the throne.
Oba Ladoja urged for greater collaboration while praising the admirable efforts of some local leaders who still provide scholarships and other development programs to their hometowns.
In order to revitalize Ibadan’s cultural and economic heritage, he urged all Mogajis and chiefs to work together.
Chief Asimiyu Ariori, the Mogajis’ leader, thanked the Olubadan-in-waiting and praised his dedication to grassroots development in his speech.
He prayed for a long, calm, and significant rule and promised the complete support of the leaders of the families.
