The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen Lekan Balogun, issued a warning on Wednesday to his Baales and Mogajis, urging them to refrain from any form of crime.
He emphasised that their appointments were intended for the welfare of their people and the development of their respective communities and family compounds.
This information was conveyed in a press statement provided to journalists in Ibadan by the Personal Assistant (Media) to the Olubadan, Oladele Ogunsola, on behalf of the monarch.
In the statement, the Olubadan was quoted as saying that the suspension of Onido, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, by the state government was to facilitate a proper investigation into the Ido mining incident and not a declaration of a vacancy in the Ido stool.
The Olubadan observed, “Our forebears often remarked that when masquerades go about without adequate costumes, it calls for soul-searching among the members of the masquerade cult. ‘Aini aso lorun egungun, o to apero fun awon omo eriwo’. The current situation in our country regarding the security of lives and property calls for serious concern.”
“We appreciate the government and security agencies for their efforts so far, but we call for more, as long as we still have lice on the cloth, it is certain that the nails cannot be rid of blood dripping.
‘Bi ina o ba tan laso, eje o le e tan leekanna’. The war against insecurity is still a work in progress, and until the battle is won, we won’t keep quiet.
“At the traditional level, we have a lot to do to complement the government’s efforts. As the closest authority to the people, there’s a need for us to be more vigilant.
Let me sound it loud and clear that the appointment of Baales for our local communities is not a license to get involved in crime. Rather, the Baales are appointed to oversee the overall development of their respective communities,” stated Olubadan.
In line with the above-stated mandate, Oba Balogun emphasized the need to be mindful of the individuals harbored or related to in their domains.
He highlighted concerns about criminals familiar with the environment, emphasizing the importance of community awareness during criminal activities.
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Oba Balogun expressed concern about the sale of land to ‘foreigners’ and the intentions of developers acquiring land.
He warned against Mogajis engaging in land speculations, stressing the Olubadan Advisory Council’s zero-tolerance stance on land grabbing.
The Olubadan linked his concerns to the current crisis in Ido community, stating, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. We must have learned some lessons in the crisis.
The suspension placed on Onido by the state government is to pave the way for an unhindered investigation and does not constitute a vacancy for the stool of Onido.”