The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has taken decisive action against leaders causing distress over land matters in their communities.
This time, Baale Folarin, Chief Kazeem Olayiwola, from a village in Akinyele local government area, faced suspension, following a committee’s investigation.
A few months ago, a similar situation led to the derobing of Mogaji Wale Oladoja in the same Akinyele Local Government. Oladoja was later pardoned upon showing remorse and promising to refrain from such actions.
In a press statement by the Olubadan’s Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, the suspension order resulted from an adhoc committee’s findings.
The committee, including the Oniroko of Iroko, Oba Ismaila Abioye Opeyemi, Alakinyele of Akinyele, Oba James Oluyemi Odeniran JP, and Chief Lateef Alade and Oladele Ogunsola, addressed the case.
Before reaching the monarch, Chief Olayiwola was summoned to the palace after reports of tormenting the community emerged. Despite attempts to dissuade him, his actions persisted.
At the meeting, he was accused of unauthorized land sales to a developer without community input. His explanations were deemed lacking, and his response to rectify the transgression was non-committal.
The community reported that he intended to consult a Mogaji, considered a non-native in the traditional Yoruba setup.
The Olubadan, upon receiving the report, pronounced Olayiwola’s suspension and directed the withdrawal of his membership from the Akinyele Traditional Council.
The Olubadan commended the committee for its justice in handling the matter, reaffirming his commitment to peaceful coexistence among subjects.
He recalled his previous admonitions to Baales and Mogajis not to revisit land-related issues, assuring the community of his stand against actions contrary to his directives. The Olubadan urged members to remain calm, shun disaffection, and pledged not to pamper anyone violating his instructions.
