Olubadan-designate, Oba Ladoja, tasks Mogajis, others on Ibadan urban renewal plan

The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has tasked hundreds of family compound heads, known as Mogajis, and other community leaders to spearhead the urban renewal of Ibadan.

Ladoja made the call over the weekend during a courtesy visit by the Mogajis to his residence on Ondo Street, Bodija.

Oba Ladoja noted that a good number of Mogajis were financially capable of personally initiating developmental projects in their ancestral homes.

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However, he expressed regret that many had chosen to live in high-brow areas of the city like Bodija and Oluyole, or even outside Ibadan and Nigeria, where lives are perceived to be relatively better.

He stressed that being a Mogaji or chief is not merely a title but a serious responsibility.

“We are looking at a situation where Mogajis and chiefs would not abandon their ancestral homes.

“By so doing, you can positively impact the younger generation looking for mentorship.

“You lived in this same society and have become what God wants you to be. Please, let’s encourage the people at the grassroots by staying with them and sharing with them,” the monarch said.

He contended that if community leaders could renovate dilapidated old buildings and occasionally inhabit them, cases of drug abuse and other social vices would be reduced.

To set an example, he revealed that he has renovated his family house at Isale Osi, which he intends to visit from time to time as Olubadan.

Oba Ladoja, however, commended the efforts of some community leaders who assist the needy in their homesteads through providing scholarships for indigent students and creating a conducive environment for genuine community development.

He enlisted the support and cooperation of the Mogajis and chiefs in his bid to restore Ibadan’s economic fortunes.

Earlier, the leader of the Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, had congratulated the Olubadan-in-waiting. While commending Oba Ladoja for his vision, he pledged the full support and cooperation of the family compound heads and prayed for his long life to rule and reign over Ibadanland.