Why I Approved Different Mogaji Candidate for Olufadejin Compound — Olubadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has defended his decision in the disputed appointment of the Mogaji of Olufadejin Compound, Alekuso, Ibadan, insisting that the process followed established Ibadan customs and traditions.

The monarch was reacting to allegations by a section of the Olufadejin family, which accused him of imposing a Mogaji on the compound.

The allegation was contained in a statement signed by Elder Dauda Adesina on behalf of the aggrieved family members.

Responding through a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, Oba Ladoja maintained that the Mogaji title belongs to the entire family and not to any particular section.

According to the monarch, while every member of a family has an interest in the title, the responsibility for screening and approving a Mogaji ultimately rests with the Olubadan or anyone authorised by him.

He explained that the Olufadejin Compound falls under the jurisdiction of the Ibadan South-West Traditional Council, where the matter was handled under the acting chairmanship of the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi.

The monarch said the traditional council constituted a committee to review applications and confirmed that two candidates contested the Mogaji title.

He added that investigations revealed the family comprises different sections and noted that Ibadan tradition does not automatically allow the section vacating the title to produce the next Mogaji when other qualified sections are interested.

Oba Ladoja said the practice is rooted in fairness, justice and equity, stressing that similar succession arrangements exist in several prominent Ibadan families, including those of former Olubadans.

“If you look at different families such as the Olubadan Olakulehin and Olubadan Lekan Balogun families, the Mogaji title is not the exclusive preserve of any section. It belongs to all sections of a bona fide family,” he stated.

The monarch insisted that his decision was guided strictly by Ibadan tradition and rejected claims that he imposed a candidate on the family.