By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Planning Committee, Olubadan’s First Year Coronation Anniversary on Wednesday, disclosed that Ibadanland has been very peaceful in the last one year under Oba Lekan Balogun as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Speaking on behalf of the Planning Committee Chairman, Professor Oladapo Afolabi, at a press conference on the one year Coronation Anniversary of Oba Balogun, the Personal Assistant on Media to Olubadan, Mr Oladele Ogunsola stated that Ibadan has also witnessed lots of development in the last one year
Mr Ogunsola stressed, ” another very crucial area where Kabiyesi’s intervention in the last one year has been very noticeable and acknowledged is in the area of war against land grabbing and dispute arising from selling of a particular land to multiple persons”.
” There has been a consensus that Ibadanland under his watch has been very peaceful in the last one year with very good reduction in the activities of the hoodlums who make life unbearable for residents of some areas either by robbery or other violence acts instigated by intake of alcohol and or drugs, indian-hemp not exempted”, he said.
The Personal Assist on Media to Olubadan added, ” The reduction of such crimes cannot be divorced from the pro-activeness of the traditional compound heads known as Mogajis who are constantly reminded by Kabiyesi not only to watch over their compounds, but to also attend to the needs of the jobless adults around whose hands become the devil’s workshop out of idleness in their own little ways.”
” We must give kudos to our security agents in this regard for being up and doing. They have been very committed to their core mandates of securing lives and property”.
He stressed further, ” Talking about peace in Ibadanland, another very crucial area where Kabiyesi’s intervention in the last one year has been very noticeable and acknowledged is in the area of war against land grabbing and dispute arising from selling of a particular land to multiple persons. Immediately after inauguration last year, the decision to set up a committee to look into such matters was made by the Olubadan Advisory Council.”
The Planning Committee on behalf of Oba Balogun appealed ” to Ibadan sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora that have the wherewithall to come up with concerted efforts towards reducing the unemployment rate, bearing in mind that government alone cannot solve the problem. It is also one solid way to reduce crime”
” In the last one year, Kabiyesi has brought honours to Ibadanland as the first Olubadan in history to become a University Chancellor by his appointment as the Chancellor of Sa’datu Rimi University of Education in far away Kano State and the second Olubadan to receive National Honour of Commander of the Order of Federal Republic (CFR).
” The recent elevation of the members of Olubadan Advisory Council hitherto addressed as High Chiefs to Beaded Crown wearing Obas as Royal Majesties was another of Kabiyesi’s first in Ibadan history. Today, under his watch, Ibadan Traditional system is now composed of Obas.
Highlighting events for the one year Coronation Anniversary starting this Thursday, Mr Ogunsola said it will kick off with a symposium titled Ibadan Treasure of the last Empire and the Challenges of Urban Development to be delivered by Mogaji Prof. Aderemi Raji-Oyelade at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan after which there will be the launch of a Compendium specially packaged for the anniversary.
On Friday, there will be conferment of honorary Chieftaincy titles on Prof. Soji Adejumo, Barr. Bolaji Ayorinde and Alhaji Adebayo Aruna after which special Jumat service holds at the Central Mosque, Oja’ba , Reception party on Saturday at the Jogor Centre, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Way, Oke-Ado and thanksgiving service at The Cathedral of St. James The Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan on Sunday 6th August which is the final day.
