Former Governor of Oyo State and Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Sunday charged compound heads and community leaders in Ibadan not to abandon their ancestral homes but to help make them more habitable.
Ladoja gave the advice while receiving hundreds of Ibadan Mogajis who visited his Ondo Street residence in Bodija to congratulate him on his emergence as the next Olubadan.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch-in-waiting observed that many Mogajis were financially capable of initiating development projects in their family compounds but had neglected such responsibilities.
“Many now live in highbrow areas like Bodija, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Jericho, Akobo, or even outside Ibadan and Nigeria, where life is relatively more comfortable. Some have not convened family meetings in years to discuss developmental activities since they received their chieftaincy titles.
“A Mogaji or Chief in Ibadan is not just a title but a responsibility. We are looking at a situation where Mogajis and chiefs would not abandon their ancestral homes. By doing so, you can positively impact the younger generation seeking mentorship. You lived in this same society and became what God wanted you to be. Please, let us encourage the people at the grassroots by staying with them and sharing with them,” the statement quoted Ladoja as saying.
The Olubadan-designate added that renovating dilapidated family houses and occasionally residing in them would help reduce cases of drug abuse and other social vices.
He explained that it was in line with this vision that he had renovated his family house at Isale Osi, which he intends to visit regularly after his coronation.
Earlier, the leader of Ibadan Mogajis, Asimiyu Ariori, congratulated Ladoja on his emergence as Olubadan and commended his foresight. He pledged the continued support and cooperation of compound heads to the monarch, praying for long life and a successful reign.
