Barely two weeks after his reinstatement as Mogaji by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the suspended and recently reinstated Mogaji Olawale Oladoja of the Akinsola family has allegedly returned to his old habits of demanding funds from landlords and occupants of the Akinyele community. He claims that lands that have already been purchased should be bought again.
It will be remembered that the Mogaji was suspended on August 19, 2023, after evicting over 300 residents from their houses by marking them with a red mark and locking the structures. This action demonstrated his authority over the houses in the community and resulted in his suspension by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.
Following his reinstatement on August 28, 2023, the Mogaji allegedly resumed his demands by reaching out to landlords to request money for lands that had been legally purchased years ago.
In an interview with VanguardTimes on Sunday, one of the affected landlords and a landlady (names withheld for fear of being attacked) stated that the Mogaji called her on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, demanding payment for lands that had already been legally purchased. She added that she and her husband bought the lands from a certain Rashidi Oladoja, who is an Islamic cleric from Moniya and a family member of the Mogaji's family. The said Rashidi provided them with evidence of purchase from Apapa family, which is the same Apapa family as the leader of the Labour Party, Lamidi Apapa.
The affected family stated that Mogaji Oladoja had previously demanded 6.5 million naira and had taken action against their land premises with hoodlums and threats to destroy the structures after being paid 2 million naira in 2022. He insisted on a balance of 4.5 million naira, but the matter was taken to Akinyele Police station, where the case was resolved at that time.
In a recorded voice conversation that took place on Wednesday morning, the Mogaji can be heard requesting the remaining balance of 4.5 million naira, going against the original agreement that took place at the law enforcement agency's premises. The family insists that they have no money to pay the Mogaji, resulting in threats of action against the family.
The family has, however, raised concerns that the Mogaji has become a security threat to them and the occupants of their structures since he associates with hoodlums and is protected by certain police officers when raiding the property.
The landlady and her family are now living in fear, believing that Mogaji Oladoja's demands and actions have escalated into a serious security threat. They claim that the Mogaji has gathered a group of hoodlums who intimidate and harass them whenever they resist his extortion attempts. Despite their previous confrontation at the police station, it seems that the Mogaji has not relented in his pursuit of money from the innocent residents.
The family decided to take matters into their own hands and reached out to the media, hoping that exposing the Mogaji's alleged wrongdoing will bring attention and help to their plight. They also contacted the Olubadan of Ibadanland, appealing to his sense of justice and asking for his intervention in the matter.
The Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, has always been known for his commitment to fairness and justice. Hearing of the landlady's distress, he immediately ordered an investigation into the allegations against Mogaji Oladoja. As the traditional ruler of Ibadanland, he is determined to uphold the integrity of the chieftaincy system and ensure that individuals entrusted with positions of authority do not abuse their power.
Meanwhile, the landlady and her family have taken extra precautions to protect themselves and their property. They have installed security cameras and are in constant communication with the local police station, providing updates on the activities of the Mogaji and his hoodlums. They hope that by gathering evidence against the Mogaji, they can build a strong case against him and bring him to justice.
This case has also caught the attention of the wider community who are watching closely to see how their traditional ruler will handle this matter. Many believe that the outcome of this investigation will serve as a precedent for future cases involving the abuse of power by traditional chiefs in Ibadanland.
In the coming weeks, the family and their supporters plan to protest peacefully, demanding justice and a permanent solution to the alleged extortion and harassment by Mogaji Oladoja. They are determined to ensure that no other innocent residents fall victim to his actions and that the Olubadan takes decisive action to restore trust and integrity to the chieftaincy system in Ibadanland.